Mastitis pathogens and antibiotic resistance in beef cows in Switzerland.

INTRODUCTION: Mastitis in beef cows has not been studied as extensively as mastitis in dairy cows, and data from Switzerland are lacking. Various studies have shown a similar pathogen spectrum as in dairy cows, which could not be confirmed in this study. To gather initial data from Switzerland, milk samples from 297 lactating beef cows from 31 herds from the Engadin Valley in the Canton of Grisons were examined bacteriologically. At least one major or minor mastitis pathogen was recovered from at least one individual-quarter or composite sample from 33 % of all cows. The most common major mastitis pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (8,4 % of cows), Pasteurella multocida (4,1 %), Streptococcus uberis (2 %) and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (1,7 %). Sixteen percent of the cows had at least one blind quarter, but only 32 % of these had been previously detected by the owners. In the second part of the study, milk samples from beef cows with mastitis were examined bacteriologically; the cows originated from various parts of Switzerland and had been presented for veterinary treatment. Pasteurella multocida (22 %) and Staphylococcus aureus (21 %) were the most common pathogens isolated. Antibiograms using microtitration and disk diffusion testing were generated for the Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella multocida and Streptococcus uberis strains from both parts of the study. Fifty-six percent of the Staphylococcus aureus strains were resistant to penicillin G. Our results showed that bacteriological examination of a milk sample aids in the diagnosis and allows specific treatment of mastitis in beef cows; this may be further improved with antibacterial susceptibility testing. Our preliminary data for the resistance patterns of mastitis pathogens in beef cows will facilitate evidence-based treatment strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Les mammites chez les vaches mères n'ont pas été étudiées de manière aussi approfondie que chez les vaches laitières et les données concernant la Suisse font défaut. Diverses études ont montré un spectre pathogène similaire à celui des vaches laitières, ce qui n'a pas pu être confirmé dans cette étude. Pour rassembler les premières données en Suisse, des échantillons de lait de 297 vaches mères provenant de 31 troupeaux de la vallée de l'Engadine dans le canton des Grisons ont été examinés bactério- logiquement. Au moins un agent pathogène majeur ou mineur de mammite a été retrouvé dans au moins un quartier ou dans un échantillon composite chez 33 % de toutes les vaches. Les agents pathogènes majeurs de mammite les plus courants étaient Staphylococcus aureus (8,4 % des vaches), Pasteurella multocida (4,1 %), Streptococcus uberis (2 %) et Streptococcus dysgalactiae (1,7 %). Seize pour cent des vaches avaient au moins un quartier sec mais cela n'avait été détectés auparavant par les propriétaires que dans seulement 32 % des cas. Dans la deuxième partie de l'étude, des échantillons de lait provenant de vaches mères atteintes de mammites ont été examinés sur le plan bactériologique; les vaches provenaient de diverses régions de Suisse et avaient été présentées pour un traitement vétérinaire. Pasteurella multocida (22 %) et Staphylococcus aureus (21 %) étaient les agents pathogènes les plus fréquemment isolés. Des antibiogrammes utilisant des tests de microtitration et de diffusion sur disque ont été générés pour les souches de Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella multocida et Streptococcus uberis des deux parties de l'étude. Cinquante-six pour cent des souches de Staphylococcus aureus étaient résistantes à la pénicilline G. Nos résultats montrent que l'examen bactériologique d'un échantillon de lait facilite le diagnostic et permet un traitement spécifique des mammites chez les vaches mères; ceci peut être encore amélioré par des tests de sensibilité aux antibactériens. Nos données préliminaires sur les profils de résistance des agents pathogènes de mammites chez les vaches de boucherie faciliteront les stratégies de traitement fondées sur des faits.

Hair cortisol concentrations in bovine neonates born to healthy and ill cows.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to investigate the hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in healthy and ill cows and their newborn calves. A total of 40 cows and their 42 newborn calves were divided into two groups: group 1 consisted of 19 clinically healthy cows and their 20 newborn calves, and group 2 comprised 21 cows that had had a chronic illness in the third trimester of gestation and their 22 newborn calves. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system was used to measure the HCC in hair samples that were collected from the cows and calves on the day the calves were born. In both groups, the mean HCCs of the calves was significantly higher than that of the cows (group 1, 31,0 vs. 0,6 pg/mg; group 2, 19,4 vs. 0,8 pg/mg; P.

INTRODUCTION: Le but de cette étude était d'étudier la concentration de cortisol dans les poils (HCC) chez des vaches saines et malades et chez leurs veaux nouveau-nés. Un total de 40 vaches et leurs 42 veaux nouveau-nés ont été divisés en deux groupes: le groupe 1 comprenait 19 vaches cliniquement saines et leurs 20 veaux nouveau-nés, et le groupe 2 comprenait 21 vaches ayant eu une maladie chronique au cours du troisième trimestre de gestation et leurs 22 veaux nouveau-nés. Un système de chromatographie liquide avec spectrométrie de masse en tandem (LC-MS/MS) a été utilisé pour mesurer le HCC dans des échantillons de poils prélevés sur les vaches et les veaux le jour de leur naissance. Dans les deux groupes, le HCC moyen des veaux était significativement plus élevé que celui des vaches (groupe 1, 31,0 pg/mg contre 0,6 pg/mg ; groupe 2, 19,4 pg/mg contre 0,8 pg/mg ; P.

[Biphasic mesothelioma in a Swiss Braunvieh cow: clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopical findings]. / Biphasisches Mesotheliom bei einer Braunviehkuh: Klinische, histomorphologische, immunhistochemische und elektronenmikroskopische Befunde.

A 10-year-old Swiss Braunvieh cow near term was referred to our clinic because of severe abdominal distension, which caused loss of demarcation between the udder and ventral abdominal wall. Ultrasonographic examination revealed marked ascites and multiple echogenic nodules in the greater omentum. Based on the findings, non-inflammatory ascites attributable to neoplasia was diagnosed. Rupture of the prepubic tendon from the pubic symphysis was also suspected. Because of a grave prognosis, parturition was induced and a live calf was delivered. The cow was euthanized and a postmortem examination was carried out. The abdominal cavity contained 248.5 litres of clear fluid. The greater omentum was thickened and oedematous and regionally contained fluid-filled cystic structures, which varied in size with a maximum diameter of 10 centimetres. Based on the histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopical findings, biphasic mesothelioma with cyst formation affecting the entire abdominal cavity was diagnosed.

[Repeated drenching of calves - -Ultra-sonographic findings of the -reticulum and abomasum and -short-term -effects on pH and -D-lactate in rumen fluid and blood]. / Wiederholtes Drenchen von Kälbern ­ Ultraschallbefunde an Haube und Labmagen sowie kurzfristige Auswirkungen auf pH-Wert und D-Laktat in Pansensaft und Blut.

INTRODUCTION: An oesophageal tube feeder was used to administer milk to six clinically healthy calves every 12 hours for a total of three feedings. The calves were seven to nine days of age, and each feeding consisted of a volume of milk that was 6 % of the body weight of the calves. The reticulum and abomasum were scanned ultrasonographically before, during and after drenching. Blood samples for D-lactate determination and venous blood gas analysis were collected at -12, 0 (first drenching), 6, 12 (second drenching), 18, 24 (third drenching), 30 and 36 hours. Ruminal fluid was collected for measurement of pH and D-lactate concentration at -12 and 36 hours. Based on simultaneous ultrasonographic examinations of the reticulum and abomasum, some of the force-fed milk flowed into the reticulum and some directly into the abomasum; both organs contained milk immediately after drenching. Drenching led to ruminal acidosis evidenced by a significant decrease in median pH from 7,0 (6,0 - 7,0) to 4,5 (3,0 - 5,0) and a 93-fold increase in median D-lactate concentration from 0,39 (0,14 - 1,33) to 36,3 (17,9 - 53,3) mmol/l but it did not cause metabolic acidosis. Based on these findings, we concluded that milk administered to calves via an oesophageal tube feeder flows into the reticulum and abomasum simultaneously and three force feedings 12 hours apart cause acute ruminal acidosis, which was not accompanied by metabolic acidosis in the short term.

INTRODUCTION: Une sonde d'alimentation œsophagienne a été utilisée pour administrer par trois fois du lait à six veaux cliniquement sains toutes les 12 heures. Les veaux étaient âgés de sept à neuf jours, et chaque repas comprenait un volume de lait correspondant à 6 % de leur poids corporel. Le réticulum et la caillette ont été examinés par ultrasons avant, pendant et après le drenchage. Des échantillons de sang pour la détermination du D-lactate et pour l'analyse des gaz du sang veineux ont été prélevés à ­12, 0 (premier drenchage), 6, 12 (deuxième drenchage), 18, 24 (troisième drenchage), 30 et 36 heures. Le jus de panse a été prélevé pour mesurer le pH et la concentration de D-lactate à ­12 et 36 heures. D'après les examens ultrasonographiques simultanés du réticulum et de la caillette, une partie du lait administré s'est écoulée dans le réticulum et une autre directement dans la caillette : les deux organes contenaient du lait immédiatement après le drenchage. Le drenchage a entraîné une acidose ruminale mise en évidence par une diminution significative du pH médian de 7,0 (6,0 ­ 7,0) à 4,5 (3,0 ­ 5,0) et une concentration médiane de D-lactate 93 fois plus élevée de 0,39 (0,14 ­ 1,33) à 36,3 (17,9 ­ 53,3) mmol/l, mais il n'a pas provoqué d'acidose métabolique. Sur la base de ces résultats, nous avons conclu que le lait administré aux veaux par l'intermédiaire d'une sonde d'alimentation œsophagienne s'écoule simultanément dans le réticulum et la caillette et que trois gavages à 12 heures d'intervalle provoquent une acidose ruminale aiguë qui ne s'est pas accompagnée d'une acidose métabolique à court terme.

[Polychondritis: a new disease in Swiss Braunvieh?]. / Polychondritis: Eine neue Erkrankung beim Braunvieh?

Over the last 10 years Swiss Braunvieh cattle with malformations of the pinnae have repeatedly been reported. Endoscopy revealed a shortened and thickened epiglottis and malformations of the arytenoid cartilage in some of these animals. In most cases the elastic cartilage was replaced by fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage. The direct cause and pathogenesis of the malformations could not be determined.

[The use of a GnRH vaccine in mares and stallions to influence undesirable behavior: a retrospective study of 31 cases]. / Einsatz einer GnRH-Vakzine bei Stute und Hengst zur Beeinflussung von unerwünschtem Verhalten: Eine retrospektive Studie von 31 Fällen.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a GnRH vaccine (Equity) on behavior and gonadal function in horses with unwanted behavior. The reason for the treatment was asked using a questionnaire and the findings of physical examination, rectal palpation as well as rectal ultrasonography, were recorded. The results of these examinations and the behavior of 21 mares and 10 stallions before the first and after the second administration of the GnRH vaccine were compared. In 84 % of all cases a decrease of the unwanted behavior could be observed. In the mares the ovaries were significantly (p

The bovine cumulus proteome is influenced by maturation condition and maturational competence of the oocyte.

In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes has still a negative impact on the developmental competence of oocytes. Therefore, this study analysed the cumulus proteome of individual cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) with and without maturational competence, matured under in vivo or in vitro conditions (n = 5 per group). A novel, ultrasensitive mass spectrometry (MS) based protein profiling approach, using label-free quantification, was applied. The detected cumulus proteome included 2226 quantifiable proteins and was highly influenced by the maturation condition (479 differentially expressed proteins) as well as maturational competence of the corresponding oocyte (424 differentially expressed proteins). Enrichment analysis showed an overrepresentation of the complement and coagulation cascades (CCC), ECM-receptor interaction and steroid biosynthesis in cumulus of COCs that matured successfully under in vivo conditions. Verification of the origin of CCC proteins was achieved through detection of C3 secretion into the maturation medium, with significantly increasing concentrations from 12 (48.4 ng/ml) to 24 hours (68 ng/ml: p < 0.001). In relation, concentrations in follicular fluid, reflecting the in vivo situation, were >100x higher. In summary, this study identified important pathways that are impaired in IVM cumulus, as well as potential markers of the maturational competence of oocytes.

Effect of intravenous calcium borogluconate and sodium phosphate in cows with parturient paresis.

Thirty cows with parturient paresis were divided into three groups of 10. All the cows were given 500 ml of a 40 per cent calcium borogluconate solution intravenously over a period of 10 minutes, and 20 were also given 500 ml of a 10 per cent solution of sodium phosphate intravenously; in 10 of the cows this solution was administered over a period of 10 minutes immediately after the calcium borogluconate solution, and in the other 10 cows 200 ml of the solution was administered rapidly and the remaining 300 ml was added to 10 litres of sodium chloride and glucose solution and infused slowly over six hours. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the outcome of the treatments; six or seven of the cows in each group stood within eight hours of the treatment. There were no significant differences between the changes in serum calcium concentrations among the groups. The mean concentrations of inorganic phosphorus in the groups given sodium phosphate were increased above the normal range initially, but after eight hours there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the numbers of cows that were hypophosphataemic. There were no significant differences between the three groups with respect to changes after treatment in the serum concentrations of magnesium or parathyroid hormone.

[The Effect of Selective Dry Cow Treatment on the Udder Health in Swiss Dairy Farms]. / Die Auswirkung des selektiven Trockenstellens auf die Eutergesundheit in Schweizer Milchviehbetrieben.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of selective dry cow treatment (SDCT) on udder health in Swiss dairy farms compared to a blanket dry cow treatment (BDCT). Cows with a somatic cell count (SCC) of less than 250'000 cells/ml and after BDCT in the previous dry period were selected. These animals received a SDCT in the subsequent dry period. Cows with less than 150,000 cells/ml or a negative California mastitis test (CMT) received either no treatment (group oB) or an internal teat sealant (group ZV) in all teats. Cows with more than 150,000 cells/ml or a positive CMT were treated with antibiotics and teat sealants (group ZV+AB). The SCC before and after the dry period were determined. In addition, the incidence of mastitis treatments in the dry period and the first 100 days of the following lactation as well as rates of new intramammary inflammations and healing thereof were determined. Data from 115 cows were available for evaluation. The SCC postpartum of all cows after SDCT did not differ from those after BDCT in the previous year. In the group oB the SCC was significantly higher than in the previous year. While the group ZV+AB showed a significant decrease of SCC during the dry period, the other two groups showed an increase (p < 0.0001). In the group oB, the proportion of mastitis treatments increased from 0% after BDCT to 28% after SDCT without any udder treatment (p < 0.05). Due to the increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance, SDCT is a valuable alternative to the BDCT. In the present study the antibiotic consumption could be reduced by 63%, while the udder health after SDCT did not deteriorate. If cows with low SCC are dried off without antibiotics the end of lactation, it is beneficial to protect the udder during the dry period with a teat sealant.

INTRODUCTION: Le but de la présente étude était de déterminer les effets du tarissement sélectif sur la santé de la mamelle dans des exploitations laitières suisses par rapport à un tarissement systématique avec antibiotiques de couverture. Des vaches dont le nombre de cellules somatiques (CCS) était inférieur à 250 000 cellules/ml et qui avaient été taries avec une protection antibiotique lors de la lactation précédente ont été sélectionnées. Ces animaux ont été taris de façon sélective à la lactation suivante. Les vaches avec moins de 150 000 cellules/ml ou un test de mammite de Californie (CMT) négatif n'ont reçu aucun traitement (groupe oB) ou un obturateur de trayon interne dans tous les trayons (groupe ZV). Les vaches avec plus de 150 000 cellules/ml ou une CMT positive ont été traitées avec des antibiotiques et des obturateurs de trayons (groupe ZV + AB). Les CCS avant et après la période de tarissement ont été déterminés. En outre, l'incidence de traitements de mammite pendant la période de tarissement et les 100 premiers jours de la lactation suivante, ainsi que les taux de nouvelles inflammations mammaires et de leur guérison ont été relevées. Les données de 115 vaches étaient disponibles pour évaluation. Le nombre de cellules post-partum de toutes les vaches après tarissement sélectif ne différait pas de celui après utilisation systématique de tarisseurs l'année précédente. Dans le groupe oB, le CCS était nettement plus élevé que l'année précédente. Alors que le groupe ZV + AB a montré une diminution significative de la SCC pendant la période sèche, les deux autres groupes ont présenté une augmentation (p.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin receptors EP2 and FP expression in the bovine intercaruncular uterine wall around term.

During parturition, uterine-derived prostaglandins (PG) play an outstanding role regarding the functional elimination of the corpus luteum and the promotion of uterine contraction. The rate-limiting enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), highly regulated in a cell-type and localization specific manner throughout pregnancy, is involved in uterine prostanoid production. Prostaglandins exert their effects via G-protein-coupled receptors. Distribution and cellular localization of these receptors are decisive factors for prostaglandin-mediated actions. Since both COX-2 and PG receptors have only been assessed during pregnancy in the cow, these parameters were localized immunohistochemically near term to evaluate their specific role at parturition. Thus, during two periods, segments of the intercaruncular uterine wall were collected from cows at slaughter being eight and nine months pregnant, from cattle during caesarean section, and after spontaneous calving. Results reveal that COX-2 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm of surface epithelial cells with a high expression in animals with induced parturition. The enzyme could also be found in lower concentrations within the glandular epithelium without any effect of gestational time or labour. In contrast to relaxant prostaglandin E receptor type 2 (EP2), not showing any change in all tissue layers observed, contractile prostaglandin F(2alpha) receptor (FP) was modulated during the peripartal period revealing a peak expression in animals with induced parturition. FP was localized in surface and glandular epithelial cells as well as in endometrial stroma and myometrial smooth muscle cells. Our study indicates that labour and induction of parturition may have an effect on amounts of immunohistochemically detectable COX-2 and FP. EP2 remains rather unchanged during the peripartal period. COX-2 and FP thus contribute via changes in amount and distribution to mechanisms associated with parturition.

Progesterone receptors, oestrogen receptor alpha and glucocorticoid receptors in the bovine intercaruncular uterine wall around parturition.

The bovine intercaruncular uterine wall expresses steroid hormone receptors throughout pregnancy. Concentrations of specific hormones undergo massive changes during the peripartal period and modulate the synthesis of their own receptors. This is well documented for the placentome, but respective data concerning the intercaruncular uterine wall are completely lacking. Thus, intercaruncular uterine wall segments from cows (I) being 8 and 9 months pregnant (slaughtered cows) and (II) cows undergoing a premature caesarean section 269-282 days after artificial insemination (AI) with (IIa, b) or without (IIc) induction of birth with PGF(2alpha) agonist or (III) receiving a caesarean section during severe dystocia (n=6, 5, 5, 5, 6 and 4 animals, respectively) were studied. In four naturally calving cows (IV) endometrial biopsies were obtained within 30 min after the expulsion of the calf. All tissue probes were fixed for 24h in 4% formaldehyde, routinely embedded in paraffin, and cut at 4 microm. Progesterone receptors (PR), estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR) were assessed using specific antibodies and staining intensities were documented employing an immunoreactive score (IRS). PR, ERalpha and GR exhibited cell type- and location-specific distribution patterns. IRS for PR and ERalpha did not differ between groups. GR-IRS of endometrial stromal cells, however, were higher in animals undergoing premature caesarean section after induction of birth compared to animals slaughtered during month 8 or 9 of pregnancy or animals receiving caesarean section following dystocia. Results of the present study indicate that steroid hormone receptor amounts within the intercaruncular uterine wall do not (PR, ERalpha) - or in a tissue-specific manner (GR) only - change during the peripartal period, although respective hormones undergo massive changes during this period. This is in strict contrast to the placentome. Comparatively lower local tissue estrogen concentrations around term may be one cause for this difference.

Monitoring the bovine fetus during stage II of parturition using pulse oximetry.

Measurement of oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry is an established method of continuous monitoring of the well-being of the human fetus during parturition. In veterinary medicine, pulse oximetry has been used almost exclusively in intensive care and anesthesiology. The goal of the present study was to investigate the physiological changes in oxygen saturation of the bovine fetus during stage II of parturition and to determine whether the findings can be used to predict postnatal acidosis. The correlation between the oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) measured via pulse oximetry and the oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) of arterial blood measured via blood gas analysis was determined in 23 newborn calves. In addition, the oxygen saturation was monitored continuously via pulse oximetry (FSpO(2)) in 33 bovine fetuses during stage II of parturition. Correlations between the FSpO(2) values during the last 30 and 5min of stage II of parturition and the postpartum values for pH, partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide, bicarbonate concentration, BE, SaO(2) and lactate concentration in arterial blood were determined. There was a high correlation between SpO(2) and SaO(2) postpartum (r=0.923). The FSpO(2) values correlated moderately with the pH and BE and weakly with the lactate concentration postpartum; calves with a pH<7.2, a BE<-3mM/L or a lactate concentration of >5.4mM/L had significantly lower FSpO(2) values than non-acidotic calves. FSpO(2) values <30% for a period of at least 2min had the highest predictive value for a calf born with a pH<7.2. Pulse oximetry is a novel method of monitoring the bovine fetus during parturition; however, technical modifications are required to improve its usefulness.

Blood gas analysis of bovine fetal capillary blood during stage II labor.

The aim of this study was to determine whether blood gas variables in fetal capillary blood during the last 30 min of stage II labor can be used to diagnose fetal asphyxia. Twenty-five newborn calves were used to investigate the correlation between capillary blood gas values obtained from the dorsolateral aspect of the distal pastern and those in arterial and venous blood. The pH, partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, concentration of bicarbonate, base excess and oxygen saturation were determined. The bicarbonate concentration (arterial, r=0.759; venous, r=0.766; both P<0.0001) and base excess (arterial, r=0.730; venous, r=0.807; both P<0.0001) had the highest correlations. Fetal capillary blood was collected during the last 30 min of stage II labor and the results of blood gas analysis were compared with those of arterial and venous blood collected immediately after birth in 38 calves. The pH (arterial, r=0.806; venous, r=0.885; both P<0.0001) and base excess (arterial, r=0.822; venous, r=0.871; both P<0.0001) had the highest correlations. The pH and base excess were significantly lower after birth than during the last 30 min of stage II labor. The severity of fetal acidosis during stage II labor can be easily and reliably determined using the pH or base excess of fetal capillary blood.

[Bile ductule carcinoma in a cow]. / Gallengangskarzinom bei einer Kuh.

A 20-year-old cow was presented due to chronic diarrhea and weight loss. The clinical examination revealed a markedly enlarged left ovary. However, a cause of the diarrhea could not observe. The examination of the feces was negative for a parasites or bacteria causing diarrhea. The results of hematological and biochemical analyses revealed a mild leucocytosis, bilirubinaemia, higher activities of the enzymes aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and creatine kinase. The plasma concentrations of estrogen and testosterone were below the detection limits, progesterone concentration was 2.7 ng/ml. The postmortem examination revealed a bile ductule carcinoma with metastases in the lung and in lung and mestenterial lymph nodes. The cause of the tumor remained unclear. Diarrhea might have been the consequence of a portal hypertension due to the tumor. The pathological examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of the ovarian tumor. The genesis of the ovarian tumor may be independent of the genesis of the bile ductule carcinoma.

[Efficacy of oral calcium and/or sodium phosphate in the prevention of parturient paresis in cows]. / Untersuchungen zur Prophylaxe der Gebärparese mit Kalzium und Natriumphosphat per os.

The goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy of calcium chloride, sodium phosphate or a combination of these two substances administered orally immediately postpartum for the prevention of parturient paresis in cows. Thirty-two cows that had had parturient paresis at the previous calving, and in which serum biochemistry had shown hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia, were used in the study. The cows were transferred to the Department of Farm Animals, University of Zurich, five days before their expected due dates. On a randomized trial, the cows were given calcium chloride, sodium phosphate, both substances or no treatment (controls) via a stomach tube immediately postpartum and 12 hours later. The cows were monitored for 96 hours during which time blood was collected on a regular basis for the determination of total calcium, ionized calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium concentrations. Of the 32 cows treated, 19 (59%) had parturient paresis and 13 (41%) did not. The incidence of parturient paresis did not differ significantly among the groups although there was a tendency for a lower incidence in cows treated with both calcium chloride and sodium phosphate. The various treatments had no apparent effect on serum calcium concentration. The concentration of inorganic phosphorus increased significantly in cows treated with sodium phosphate compared with the controls. The results of this study showed that cows treated with both calcium chloride and sodium phosphate orally tended to have a lower incidence of parturient paresis. Further investigation into multiple administrations of oral calcium chloride and sodium phosphate, started before parturition, for the prevention of parturient paresis is required.

Ultrasonic transit-time measurement of blood flow in the umbilical arteries and veins in the bovine fetus during stage II of labor.

The vitality of the bovine fetus during parturition depends on an intact umbilical circulation to supply adequate amounts of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. The goal of the present study was to measure the blood flow in the umbilical vessels during stage II of labor and to determine when blood flow ceases in the umbilical cord. In 20 cows, ultrasonographic transducers were placed on one umbilical vein and one umbilical artery after rupture of the allantochorionic sac, and the blood flow volume per unit time was measured. At the same time, a pressure transducer was placed into the uterus to measure uterine pressure. Parturition was spontaneous in all 20 cows. In 20 live calves born, pH, base excess and lactate concentration were measured in the blood immediately after birth. During the last 90 min before birth the mean total umbilical blood flow (artery and vein combined) was 1.186+/-0.028 L/min. Calves with a blood pH> or =7.2 (n=13) had a higher mean total blood flow than calves with a pH<7.2 (n=7; 1.243+/-0.038 versus 1.095+/-0.038 L/min). In calves with a blood pH<7.2, the mean total blood flow decreased from 1.178+/-0.134 at 20 min before birth to 0.959+/-0.126 L/min at the end of stage II of labor. During this time period, the arterial blood flow did not differ between calves with a blood pH> or =7.2 and<7.2, but venous blood flow decreased significantly in calves with a blood pH<7.2. During uterine contractions, the total umbilical blood flow decreased significantly by 0.22 L/min. The blood flow in the umbilical artery and vein ceased before the calves were completely born.

Clinical, cytogenetic and hormonal findings in a stallion with hypospadias--a case report.

This case report describes a three-year-old Friesian stallion with hypospadias. Physical examination revealed a ventrocaudal deviation of the shaft of the penis and an incomplete glans penis. The urethral opening was 4 cm in length, slit-like and had a mucous membrane covering. A short fold ran from the ventral aspect of the anus and ended with a non-pigmented hairless area of skin. A human choriongonadotropin (hCG)-stimulation test resulted in an increase in the plasma levels of estrogen sulfate and testosterone, indistinguishable from that of a normal stallion. The karyogram had a normal number of chromosomes at 2n=64. The stallion was castrated, and histological evaluation of the testicular tissue was unremarkable. In contrast to other animal species and human beings, hypospadias is a rare congenital abnormality in stallions, the cause of which could not be elucidated in our patient.

Blood gas and acid-base analysis of arterial blood in 57 newborn calves.

The pH, partial pressure of oxygen (pO(2)), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO(2)), concentration of bicarbonate (HCO(3)(-)), base excess and oxygen saturation (SO(2)) were measured in venous and arterial blood from 57 newborn calves from 55 dams. Blood samples were collected immediately after birth and 30 minutes, four, 12 and 24 hours later from a jugular vein and a caudal auricular artery. The mean (sd) pO(2) and SO(2) of arterial blood increased from 45.31 (16.02) mmHg and 64.16 (20.82) per cent at birth to a maximum of 71.89 (8.32) mmHg and 92.81 (2.32) per cent 12 hours after birth, respectively. During the same period, the arterial pCO(2) decreased from 57.31 (4.98) mmHg to 43.74 (4.75) mmHg. The correlation coefficients for arterial and venous blood were r=0.86 for pH, r=0.85 for base excess and r=0.76 for HCO(3)(-). The calves with a venous blood pH of less than 7.2 immediately after birth had significantly lower base excess and HCO(3)(-) concentrations for 30 minutes after birth than the calves with a venous blood pH of 7.2 or higher. In contrast, the arterial pO(2) was higher in the calves with a blood pH of less than 7.2 than in those with a higher pH for 30 minutes after birth.

Effect of intravenous calcium and oral sodium phosphate in cows with parturient paresis.

The goal of this study was to determine whether oral administration of sodium phosphate in conjunction with intravenous calcium is more efficaceous than intravenous calcium alone for the treatment of parturient paresis. Thirty cows with parturient paresis were examined and treated by the same veterinarian. The cows were divided randomly into two groups of 15 cows each. Cows in group A received 500 ml of a 40 per cent calcium borogluconate solution containing 15.65 g calcium gluconate and borogluconate, with a supplement of 6 per cent magnesium hypophosphite (9.85 g magnesium hypophosphite) intravenously over a period of approximately 15 min. Cows in group B received the same treatment as well as 350 g of monobasic sodium phosphate (70 g inorganic phosphate, NaH2PO4 2 H2O, Streuli) dissolved in 0.5 litres of distilled water orally via a stomach tube. After treatment, the heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, superficial body temperature, rumen motility, appetite and defecation of the cows were monitored every hour for eight h. The cows' attempts to rise and their ability to stand were also noted. Initially, the results of clinical examination and serum electrolyte analyses did not differ between the two groups of cows. Within one hour of treatment, stupor was not observed in any of the cows. The general demeanour after treatment did not differ significantly between the two groups. In both groups, the average rectal temperature increased within two hours of the initiation of treatment, from 38.0 +/- 0.95 degrees C to 38.5 +/- 0.40 degrees C. There was no significant difference in the recovery rate between the groups. Of the 30 cows, 22 (73.3 per cent) stood within eight hours of treatment (10 cows from group A and 12 cows from group B). The type of treatment did not affect the time required to stand: cows in group A stood within 47.3 +/- 44 minutes and cows in group B stood within 24.2 +/- 32 minutes after the start of treatment. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that oral treatment with 350 g of sodium phosphate together with intravenous infusion of calcium in cows with parturient paresis results in an improved outcome, even though all the cows had hypophosphataemia as well as hypocalcaemia.

Influence of estradiol on adrenal activity in ovariectomized cows during acute stress.

Stress-dependent activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) can compromise reproductive function in animals and humans. In addition, it has been shown that estrogens are also capable of influencing the activity of the adrenal cortex. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of estradiol (E2) on adrenocortical secretion of cortisol and progesterone as well as on pituitary LH-release in cows during stress. Five ovariectomized Brown Swiss cows were exposed to acute restraint stress (2-h immobilization in a trimming chute), either with or without E2 treatment. Blood samples were taken every 15 min during a 5-h period for determination of cortisol progesterone and LH. Our results demonstrate that during the 2-h stress period mean cortisol concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) increased in all cows independent of E2 treatment. Mean progesterone concentrations also increased during stress, but the effect was only significant in E2-untreated cows. In contrast to cortisol and progesterone, mean LH values decreased in all animals during stress, but the decline was not significant. However, significantly lower mean LH values were seen at the end of the stress period comparing to values before stress. In cows without stress, E2 treatment had no significant effect on mean values of all three hormones analyzed. From our results it can be concluded that in ovariectomized cows (a) acute stress increases cortisol and progesterone secretion but decreases LH release and (b) the stress induced adrenocortical and pituitary responses were clearly attenuated under the influence of estradiol.