Congenital digital flexural deformity (knuckling): Epidemiology, the association of trace elements and surgical treatment in neonatal bovine calves.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and pattern of congenital flexural deformity (knuckling), to identify the association between trace elements and vitamins with the deformity, and to apply different surgical techniques for correcting this congenital malformation in newborn bovine calves. Materials and Methods: The study was implemented on 17 newborn calves with carpal (knee) and fetlock (foot) knuckling presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from January to December 2020. The serum biochemical alterations and clinical outcomes were assessed on days 0 and 21 following surgery. Two surgical methods: tendon transection and tendon elongation by Z-tenotomy, were performed for surgical restoration. Results: We found that knuckling comprised 12% of the total congenitally malformed calves. The male calves had a higher prevalence (52%, n = 9) and the same in the winter season (65%, n = 11). The majority of the knuckling was bilateral types (88%, n = 15), involving the carpal joint (82%, n = 14) and moderately angulated (59%, n = 10). The serum level of magnesium, iron, vitamin D, and zinc were significantly (p < 0.05) changed from the pre-surgical stage to the stage of non-lameness after surgery. The disorder was surgically treated by tendon transection or tendon elongation procedure and had a good prognosis. Conclusion: The current study concluded that the development of knuckling in calves might be related to a deficiency/excess of specific minerals and vitamins and that it can be effectively corrected by surgical intervention; however, early diagnosis and the use of proper surgical techniques are crucial for improving the prognosis.

Wound healing effects and antibacterial properties of heterologous platelet-rich plasma on Staphylococcus aureus induced septic wounds in rabbits.

Objective: This study has been designed to determine the effectiveness of heterologous platelet-rich plasma (hPRP) against infected wounds in rabbits. Materials and Methods: Staphylococcus aureus contamination was present in 24 surgical incisions, each 8 mm in diameter. The animals were then divided into two groups as follows: group A, also known as the hPRP group, received topically applied, freshly manufactured hPRP twice weekly, and group B, also known as the control group, only received sterile saline. Evaluations of the histological architecture of wounds, posttherapeutic morphology, morphometry, and in-vitro and in-vivo antimicrobial potentials of hPRP were made. Results: Rabbits that were given hPRP exhibited quicker rates of wound contraction and shorter healing times. The samples from day 7 in the hPRP group showed less inflammation and more structured fibroblasts than those from the control wounds, according to histological analysis. On day 21 of the histological examination, the hPRP group's epidermis showed notable thickening. As demonstrated by in-vitro antibacterial activity, undiluted hPRP successfully suppressed S. aureus growth. A serum biochemical analysis showed that hPRP had no harmful effects on the liver or kidneys. Conclusions: Based on the findings of the histological features, antibacterial properties, and wound morphology, it can be said that hPRP gel holds promise as an alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of wound infections.