Spermatozoa characteristics in six psittacine species using light microscopy.

Even though breeding of companion birds has increased continuously for years, the fecundity assessment of birds has hardly been acknowledged. Knowledge of the structure of spermatozoa is crucial for evaluation of the basic reproductive biology of any species as well as for phylogenetic research and cladistic analyses of internal relationships. Spermatozoa of six different psittacine species (Nymphicus hollandicus, Myiopsitta monachus, Agapornis roseicollis, Melopsittacus undulatus, Tanygnathus lucionensis, Guarouba guarouba) were examined using light microscopy. Head length (nucleus including acrosome), head width, midpiece length and tail length were measured and documented. Significant differences were obvious among almost all of the species for almost all four parameters. However, in all the six species a significant moderate correlation between spermatozoa midpiece lengths and tail lengths (r=0.535, p

[Etiology of torsio uteri in cattle: a review]. / Atiologische Aspekte der Torsio uteri beim Rind: Eine Ubersicht.

An overview about various observed phenomena, assumptions, and relations concerning the development of uterine torsion in cattle is presented. Furthermore, contradictory observations and old ideas are relativated and more accurate interpretations are given. It is known that the fetus himself is moving what is considered a reason for a torsion of the uterus. Intrauterine movements of the fetus are physiologic, and therefore other factors for uterine torsions are likely to be involved. A very plausible explanation for the selective occurrence of uterine torsion in cattle seems to be decreased amniotic fluid in relation to the size of fetus and uterus, because other influences can also be observed in all or at least in a high number of other animals. Destabilizing factors concerning the uterus (tonus decreased, uterus outside bursa supraomentalis) increase the possibility of developing a torsio uteri but are not compelling for the torsio uteri.

[Nonsurgical and surgical treatment of an urachal fistula in an alpaca cria. A case report]. / Konservative und chirurgische Therapie der Urachusfistel bei einem Alpaka-Cria. Ein Fallbericht.

Urachal fistula is a neonatal condition. There are two reported forms: a congenital and an acquired form. We describe the case of a 6-hour-old female alpaca cria that was presented with a damp umbilicus and a meconium impaction. Conservative treatment of the urachal fistula with local and systemic medication was unsuccessful after 6 days; therefore, a resection of the umbilicus under general anaesthesia was performed. Reconvalescence was uneventful.

[Results and experiences of a two-year investigation in the use of sonographic pregnancy control in sows at different stages of gestation]. / Ergebnisse und Erfahrungen einer zweijährigen Untersuchungstätigkeit im Rahmen der sonographischen Trächtigkeitskontrolle bei Sauen zu unterschiedlichen Graviditätstagen.

This paper presents the results of 16,592 pregnancy diagnoses in 4086 gilts and 12,506 sows. The animals were scanned transcutaneously between days 20 and 110 after mating or insemination (m/i). Animals being obviously pregnant or nonpregnant were scanned once, whereas sows which could not be recognized definitely as pregnant or not were characterized as animals with equivocal status and examined once again seven to 14 days later. Between days 20 to 23 after m/i pregnant sows were obviously identified to 99.5% (3336/3352). Nonpregnant sows were clearly recognized to 97% (3145/3243) between days 20 and 28 after m/i. Beginning on days 26 and 32, respectively, and later in gestation, pregnant and nonpregnant sows could be diagnosed to 100%. Confirmed through the re-examination, altogether nine (of 16 ambiguous pregnant sows) and 19 (of 97 ambiguous nonpregnant sows) animals were diagnosed false pregnant and nonpregnant, respectively. To avoid incorrect diagnoses or assessments, numerous phenomena should be attended. On days 20 to 23 after m/i, sows which did not establish pregnancy often show middle- or nonechogenic areas in the uterus and/or between the uterus loops. Since this can hardly be distinguished from pregnant uterine structures, it is recommended to examine the ovaries as well. Pregnant animals with signs of embryonic death should be grouped separately and examined twice, because it is unpredictable whether the pregnancy will stay intact or not. In conclusion, the ultrasonography is well suitable to detect pregnant and nonpregnant sows and can be applied very early in gestation.

[Effects of various antibiotic treatments of lactating cows with subclinical mastitis]. / Uber den Erfolg verschiedener antibiotischer Therapieformen bei laktierenden Kühen mit subklinischer Mastitis.

101 cows with 197 udder quarters with subclinical mastitis from 23 dairy farms were selected for different antibiotic treatments under field conditions. Group 1 consisting of 27 animals and 50 infected udder quarters was treated twice intramammaryly with 250 mg Cefacetril. Group 2 (26 animals/50 quarters) was treated twice intramuscular with 10 Mio IU Penethamathydrojodid and with 5 Mio IU respectively. Group 3 was treated twice with the combination of the intramammary and the intramuscular therapies in the above mentioned groups. Group 4 served as control. 23 animals with 36 subclinical infected udder quarters were treated twice intramuscular with 2.0 ml of sterile isotonic sodium-solution. Therapeutic success was controlled with bacteriological and cytological examinations of quarter milk probes one week, two weeks and four weeks after the end of treatments. Concerning bacteriological healing both the intramammary and the combined therapy had an even success with a 72.9% elimination rate of pathogenic bacteria whereas the intramuscular therapy led to bacteriological healing in 36.7%. In comparison cytological healing rates (< 100 x 10(3) cell counts per ml milk) with 29.8% in group 1, 32.3% in group 3 and 8.2% in group 2 were not satisfying. S. aureus was the predominating isolated bacteria. With respect to bacterial species found in the subclinically infected milk probes, elimination rates in Streptococcaceae and in Enterococcaceae was evident higher than in Staphylococcaceae. The results are discussed.

[Birth difficulties in sheep and goats--evaluation of patient outcome from seven lambing periods in an obstetrical clinic]. / Geburtsschwierigkeiten bei Schaf und Ziege--Auswertung des Patientenaufkommens aus sieben Ablammperioden an einer geburtshilflichen Klinik.

The incidence of parturition difficulties from 239 sheep and 21 does from the last seven lambing periods was recorded at a clinic for obstetrics. Without exception the does were housed under extensive conditions by hobby-breeders. The sheep also originated predominantly from hobby-breeders and in a smaller amount from professional breeders, both practising extensive housing. The incidence of manual deliveries (m.d.) in both species was lower (39.3% in sheep; 42.8% in does) than that of caesarean sections (c.s; 57.3% in sheep; 47.7% in does). In a small amount the obstetrics were solved via fetotomy. The practical proceedings concerning the different methods of therapies including analgesia, surgical approaches and postoperative treatments are described. In sheep ringwomb was the dominating reason for dystocia for m.d. (43.5%) as well as for c.s. (73.7%), followed by obstetrics due to fetal abnormal presentation and/or position or posture (25.2% m.d.; 1.1% c.s.), secondary oversized fetuses due to postmortal emphysema and edema (19.1% m.d.; 10.7% c.s.), followed by primary relative or absolute oversized fetuses (1.0% m.d.; 4.8% c.s.) and simultaneously presentation of multiple fetuses (4.2% m.d.). Other causes of dystocia remained scarce (i.e. uterine torsion, hydrallantois, abdominal or perineal hernia). There rested an amount of sheep (7.1%) with preterm s.c. because of continuous pressure and pain symptoms followed by infections or injuries of the prolapsed vagina and/or rectum, pregnancy toxemia and other reasons. The main indication for fetotomy in sheep were fetuses with postmortal edema and emphysema (80.0%), deformity of the kids (20.0%) respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Concentrations of L-carnitine and parameters of lipid metabolism during estrus in broodmares]. / Konzentrationen von L-Carnitin und wesentlichen Parametern des Fettstoffwechsels bei der Stute während des Ostrus.

In the present study the concentrations of L-carnitine (total carnitine, free carnitine, and acyl carnitine) and several parameters of the lipid metabolism were measured during the estrus in 10 broodmares. The carnitine concentrations varied in a wide range between the mares. The differences of the mean carnitine concentrations during the estrus did not reach the level of significance (P < 0.05). There was no relationship between the concentrations of total and free carnitine to the follicle size; however, the concentration of acyl carnitine was significantly correlated (r = -0.42). Because of the individual variations of carnitine concentrations, the non-significant differences of carnitine concentrations between the estrus days, and the weak relationship between the carnitine concentrations and the follicle size, it seems impossible to estimate the time of ovulation based on the carnitine concentration, as it was suggested in a previous study. The parameters of lipid metabolism did not show any significant changes during the estrus period.

[Clinical relevant procedures for early pregnancy diagnosis in the mare]. / Klinisch relevante Vorgehensweisen zur frühzeitigen Überprüfung der Konzeption bei der Stute.

This review describes stepwise the recto-manual and transrectal ultrasonographic evidence of early pregnancy detection in the horse. The morphological and physiological conditions in the individual phases of early pregnancy are presented in correlation to the potential clinical findings. The importance of embryonic and early foetal losses is presented. Communication and documentation of findings are also addressed. The final section is devoted to the evaluation of the examination effort. In this regard, it is emphasized that the gynaecological examination for the evaluation of the pregnancy status represents a service contract.

[Metastatic malignant melanoma with spinal cord compression and resulting recumbency ante partum in a mare. A case report]. / Metastasierendes malignes Melanom mit Festliegen ante partum infolge Rückenmarkskompression bei einer Stute. Ein Fallbericht.

The case report describes a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar and sacroiliac regions with entailing acute recumbency in a nearterm 17-year-old Welsh B Pony mare. The reason for recumbency was metastases of a malignant melanoma in the spinal canal of the lumbo-sacral region, where the tumour had invaded the dura mater and applied severe pression on the spinal cord over a length of 10 cm. Clinical findings, laboratory diagnostics, pathological-anatomical and histopathological findings are presented.

Progesterone, pregnanediol-3-glucuronide, relaxin and oestrone sulphate concentrations in saliva, milk and urine of female alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and their application in pregnancy diagnosis.

The pregnancy-associated hormones, progesterone (P4), pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG), relaxin (RLN) and oestrone sulphate (E1S) in plasma, saliva, milk and urine of alpacas were measured in order to assess their potential use for pregnancy diagnosis. Samples were obtained from 36 female alpacas before mating and at different stages throughout pregnancy (confirmed by ultrasonography). The hormone concentrations were determined using enzyme immunoassays. Milk samples were also tested using a commercial on-farm P4 kit, designed for dairy cattle. Although the concentration of P4 in plasma, milk and urine, and the concentration of PdG in urine were significantly higher in pregnant than in non-pregnant alpacas, there was no difference in the concentrations of P4 or PdG in saliva. The on-farm milk P4 kit showed a sensitivity of 90 per cent for diagnosis of pregnancy and a specificity of 69 per cent for non-pregnancy. The concentration of RLN in plasma increased significantly after the second month, and concentration of E1S in plasma and urine during the last month of pregnancy, whereas, there were no significant differences in RLN or E1S concentrations in saliva and milk between pregnant and non-pregnant alpacas. Values of P4, RLN and E1S in plasma, and PdG and E1S in urine are comparable with the previous reports in alpacas and, therefore, can be confirmed as an indicator for pregnancy. This is the first study to include determination of pregnancy-associated hormones in the saliva and milk of alpacas. However, saliva seems to be unsuitable for pregnancy diagnosis in alpacas, whereas, P4 in milk, as well as PdG and E1S in urine, seem to be adequate tools for diagnosis.

[Ante partum vaginal prolapse in sheep--an unsolved problem]. / Der Prolaps vaginae ante partum beim Schaf--ein ungelöstes Problem.

No other species of domestic animal suffers so frequently from vaginal prolapse ante partum as the sheep. All the different therapeutic methods are symptomatic in nature with the main result of preventing recurrence. There is a high rate of complications at the time of labour because of dystocia and high lamb mortality rates. In the pregnant ewe suffering from vaginal prolapse, pathologically high levels of circulating oestrogens were found. The origin of these still remains unclear. Possible genetical defects on the maternal and/or fetal side, and the possible influence of phyto-oestrogens in this context are discussed.

[Direct and indirect methods of the diagnosis of pregnancy in mares]. / Direkte und indirekte Verfahren zum Trächtigkeitsnachweis bei der Stute.

This review article deals with a critical comparison between the direct clinical diagnosis for the pregnancy of the mare (rectal and in some cases also vaginal exploration) and indirect methods. Both methods are discussed whether they can be seen as a mutual completion or are suitable for their own. The indirect methods for the pregnancy diagnosis include the hormone-analytic tests as progesterone concentration in serum or milk, the biological and immunological measurements for PMSG in the serum, finally the biological and chemical methods for estrogen contents in the urine of the mare. Furthermore the physical methods mainly the ultrasonic detection are discussed.

[Analysis of the obstetrical situation in swine from the clinical point of view]. / Analyse der geburtshilflichen Situation beim Schwein aus klinischer Sicht.

In a study including 477 parturitions in sows the obstetrical situation of this species is analyzed from the clinical point of view. Obstetrical interventions before consulting the veterinary clinics led to partly severe lesions of soft tissues of the genital tract in 35.5% of all primiparous and in 12.6% of all pluriparous sows. So 3.1% of all obstetrical patients had to be slaughtered due to the enormous perforating lesions in vestibular-vaginal-cervical parts of the genital tract. In 71 cases parturition could not be completed because of stress, insufficiency of the cardiovascular system or economic reasons. In general, 76% of parturitions came to an end conservatively and 24% by caesarean section. In older sows the relation was 88% vs. 13%. During the recent years the loosing-rate by completed parturition could be reduced to 3.4% after conservative obstetrical intervention and to 20.6% after caesarean section in preinjured sows by compensation of the respiratory and metabolic acidosis, stabilizing of the cardiovascular system and the supply of warmth. Possibilities to diminish total losses are discusses, concerning the large number of animals with injuries due to inappropriate conservative obstetrics as well as the intensification of intra- and postoperative supportive therapy.

[Plasma enzyme activities and acid-base equilibrium in sows in relation to the progress of labor]. / Plasmaenzymaktivitäten und Säure-Basen-Haushalt bei Sauen in Abhängigkeit vom Geburtsverlauf.

Temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate as well as enzymatic activities (CK, CK-MB, AST, LDH), and characteristics of base-acid-balance (pH, BE, pCO2, Lactate) were taken from 52 pigs during the period shortly before and after they gave birth. 16 of them dropped normally, 21 with conservative obstetrics and 15 with obstetrical laparotomy. In pigs with obstetrical laparotomy temperature fell significantly (p less than or equal to 0.01). Concerning heart rate and breathing rate there were no differences between the tested animals. CK-data rose significantly during and after birth. Maximum test data occurred in test-groups with dystocia. At the same time the increase of CK-MB-activities was above average (p less than or equal to 0.001). The other enzymes (AST, LDH) also showed a significant increase of activity in all sows, especially in case of difficult birth (p less than or equal to 0.01 to 0.0001). Lactate-concentration and the test data of base-acid-balance underwent serious changes. During anaesthesia in case of obstetrical laparotomy and during the first hours after the operation pH and BE fell and pCO2 rose. The increase of Lactate-data was above average. While we find metabolic acidosis during normal but difficult births, a respiratory acidosis caused by anaesthesia is found additionally in case of laparotomy.

[Accuracy of current rapid milk progesterone assays in comparison with a routine laboratory method]. / Die Anwendungseignung aktueller Milch-progesteron-Schnelltests für Rinder im Vergleich zu einer laborgebundenen Routinemethode.

Four current commercially available rapid milk progesterone assays (Cowside rapid tube kit [test No. 1], Hormonost-Schnelltest Milch [test No. 2], Hygia Diagnostic RPT Progesterone Test [test No. 3] and Target-Milch-Progesterone-Schnelltest [test No. 4]) for dairy cows were tested for their accuracy in comparison with the gynecological status on the one hand and by using an approved quantitative laboratory-bound assay on the other hand. Milk samples were taken from 23 dairy cows with behavioural oestrus. From 18 species with expected intermediate levels of progesterone milk probes were taken between day 3 and day 6 post insemination and also from 26 gravid cows. The clinically established gynecological status of the dairy cows correlated completely with their milk progesterone values investigated with the laboratory-bound EIA. In contrast the accuracy levels of the rapid progesterone kits differed. The accuracy of test No. 1 was 81% regarding all milk probes, whereas test No. 2 achieved 91%, test No. 3 73.5% and test No. 4 only 69.5%. Milk samples yielding low progesterone levels partly showed big differences. The highest rates of false semiquantitative classifications were recorded in milk samples with intermediate progesterone values. Test No. 2 was the only one with satisfactory results in this range. Milk samples yielding high progesterone values proved to be the best in all four assays.

[Weak viability syndrome in newborn foals. Retrospective studies of the etiological clarification and chance for recovery]. / Das Lebensschwächesyndrom (LSS) bei neugeborenen Fohlen. Retrospektive Untersuchungen zu dessen ätiologischer Abklärung sowie zu den Heilungsaussichten.

This review of therapeutic results involved 115 foals with delayed viability syndrome (DVS). The foals were up to four days old. It could be shown that prognosis quoad vitam depended very much on the severity of illness, which could be determined primarily by the foals' ability to stand (SA) and secondly by the presence of the suckling reflex (SR). Those foals that were (still) able to stand--while the suckling reflex was/was not present (anymore) (SA+, SR+; SA+, SR-)--had good prospects of recovery regardless of the causal disease. The chances for survival were significantly poorer if the foals were unable to stand--even if the suckling reflex was still present and especially if it was not present (anymore) (SA-, SR+; SA-, SR-). Glucose and IgG levels were measured following hospitalization and proved to be excellent prognostic indicators, no matter what the causal disease. DVS can vary in severity, but symptoms are rather non-specific. Non-infectious causes for DVS were--at a ratio of approximately 3 to 1--significantly more common than primarily infectious causes. The latter--except for diarrhoea--carried a very poor prognosis.

[Practice relevant rapid tests for milk progesterone in cattle compared with a laboratory-connected routine method]. / Vergleich praxisrelevanter Milchprogesteron-Schnelltests mit einer laborgebundenen Routinemethode beim Rind.

Four commercially available semiquantitative milk progesterone tests (Ovucheck-Praxistest: Cambridge Veterinary Science/Smith Kline), Progestassay-Milchprogesteron (Pitman-Moore/Janssen), Reprostrip-Progesteron-Schnelltest (Noctech/Albrecht), Enzygnost-Milchprogesteron (IQ, 'Bio' UK/Hoechst Veterinär) were examined for their accuracy by using them for the determination of progesterone levels of 64 milk samples, i.e. 1556 single assays. Several test series were performed, using codified samples and changing sequences. Three or four test persons respectively, performed the tests independently and classified the samples semiquantitatively. These test results were then compared to the results acquired by measuring the progesterone levels of the same samples by means of an approved quantitative, labor-bound progesterone test (Hormonost: Biolab). These control tests were performed at a specialized routine labor, by different personnel and at a different location. Lastly, in 48 out of the 64 sampled animals the reproductive status could be evaluated clinically and was taken into account as well. Samples yielding high progesterone levels, i.e. greater than or equal to 9 ng/ml were classified correctly in 84.4 to 96.5% of the cases, whereas samples with low levels (less than or equal to 2.5 ng/ml) were classified correctly in 68.8 to 90.0% of the cases only. Samples ranging between this spectrum (greater than 2.5 less than 9 ng/ml) were classified correctly only in 42.1 to 52.6% of the cases. However, this range appears to be of the most interest for the veterinary practitioner since cows in proestrus or early interestrus tend to have mild progesterone levels within these values. On the other hand, clinical findings are often insufficient for a proper diagnosis just in these animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Federal investigations on the distribution and in vitro resistance of udder pathogenic bacteria in the milk of cows with subclinical mastitis]. / Bundesweite Untersuchung zur Erregerverteilung und In-vitro-Resistenz euterpathogener Bakterien in der Milch von Kühen mit subklinischer Mastitis.

1644 quarter milk samples of 948 dairy cows with subclinical mastitis, collected from 63 veterinary practices all over Germany origined by 262 livestocks with problems in udder health were examined semiquantitatively by "Aulendorfer Mastitistest" for cell count and additionally bacteriologically. Potentially udder pathogenic bacteria were tested for in vitro-sensitivity to penicillin G, ampicillin, oxacillin, cefacetril, tylosin, neomycin, gentamicin, polymyxin B and enrofloxacin. 24.5% of all tested milk samples were bacteriologically negative. In 35.3% of the bacteriological positive milk samples Staphylococcus (S) aureus was detected. Enterococci, Streptococcus (Sc.) uberis, Sc. dysgalactiae and Sc. agalactiae were found in 8.9%, 8.2%, 8.1% and 4.9% of all positive milk samples, respectively. G-streptococci were found only occasionally. Apathogenic bacteria like coagulase-negative staphylococci, micrococci, aerobic bacilli and coryneforms were detected in 45.0% of all positive milk samples. Enterobacteriaceae (E. coli, klebsiella spp., proteus spp. and other coliforms) were isolated in 3.3% of all cases and should be considered as insignificant for the subclinical mastitis of dairy cows in Germany. Against S. aureus cefacetril and oxacillin were mostly effective in vitro, whereas penicillin G was ineffective because 40% of these bacteria are penicillinase-positive. Streptococci and enterococci were mostly sensitive to cefacetril, oxacillin, penicillin G and ampicillin. Concerning the distribution of bacteria regional differences were recognized. Regional differences concerning in vitro-sensitivity were negligible. The results are discussed.

[The use of exfoliative vaginal cytology for the gynecological evaluation of the bitch]. / Uber den Einsatz der exfoliativen Vaginalzytologie im Rahmen der gynäkologischen Befunderhebung bei der Hündin.

The relationship between the oestrus cycle of the bitch and the corresponding change in vaginal cytology as a reflection of the endocrine situation is described. The development of the vaginal epithelium is described using 2 staining techniques: a modified Papanicolaou-Shorr and the eosin-Thiazin stains. The use of vaginal smears in mating determination, oestrus suppression and prevention of nidation is discussed and a method of collecting vaginal material is described.