Nonpathological phalangeal fractures in cattle: 17 cases (2004-2020).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize clinical findings and outcomes for cattle with nonpathological phalangeal fractures. ANIMALS: 17 cattle with nonpathological phalangeal fractures. PROCEDURES: Medical records of a teaching hospital were reviewed to identify cattle treated for nonpathological phalangeal fracture between May 2004 and May 2020. Information extracted from the records of study-eligible animals included signalment, history, clinical and diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and survival to hospital discharge. Long-term outcome was assessed by telephone communication with owners. RESULTS: 9 bulls and 8 heifers or cows (age range, 1 to 7 years) of various breeds and uses were evaluated. Five of the 9 bulls were bucking stock, which were overrepresented in the study population. Seven animals had 8 distal phalanx fractures; 10 animals had 11 proximal phalanx fractures. Eight animals were treated by application of a hoof block on the unaffected adjacent digit, 7 animals were treated with a distal limb (n = 6) or transfixation pin (1) cast in addition to a hoof block, 1 animal was treated with a hoof trim to elevate and alleviate weight bearing on the affected digit, and 1 animal was euthanized immediately after diagnosis. Sixteen animals survived to hospital discharge. Follow-up was obtained for 12 animals, of which 9 returned to functionable use and 3 were culled. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested cattle with a nonpathological phalangeal fracture have a favorable prognosis for return to function following application of a hoof block to the unaffected adjacent digit with or without a distal limb cast.

Traumatic exungulation in cattle: ten cases (1993-2018).

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical findings, treatments, and outcomes for cattle with complete traumatic exungulation. ANIMALS: 10 bovines. PROCEDURES: Record databases of 2 teaching hospitals were searched to identify cattle treated for traumatic exungulation between January 1993 and December 2018. Information about signalment, clinical signs and findings, treatment, and outcome was extracted from the records or obtained by telephone communication with the owner. RESULTS: Records for 5 bulls, 4 heifers, and 1 cow with a median age of 2 years (range, 1 day to 10 years) and weight of 379.1 kg (range, 30 to 909.1 kg) were reviewed. Duration of clinical signs ranged from ≤ 24 hours to 3.5 days. Five of 7 animals had a lameness score > 3/5. Complete exungulation occurred in 6 medial digits (3 hind limbs and 3 forelimbs) and 5 lateral digits (1 hind limb and 4 forelimbs); 1 calf had complete exungulation of both digits of a forelimb. Treatments included bandaging (n = 9), antimicrobials (9), anti-inflammatories (8), hoof block application to the adjacent digit (7), regional anesthesia (6), cast application (4), curettage of the third phalanx (3), regional antimicrobial perfusion (1), and local application of antimicrobial-impregnated beads (1). All 7 cattle with long-term (≥ 9 months) information available returned to their intended function; 6 had no residual lameness, and 3 required regular corrective trimming of the affected digit. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested the prognosis for long-term survival and return to intended function is fair to good for cattle with complete exungulation.

Frontal sinusitis in adult beef bulls: 18 cases (1999-2014).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize frontal sinusitis unrelated to standard dehorning procedures in adult beef bulls. ANIMALS: 18 beef bulls > 2 years of age treated for frontal sinusitis at a veterinary medical teaching hospital between May 1999 and May 2014. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed. Information obtained for each bull included signalment, history, findings from physical examination and diagnostic procedures, treatment, and survival to discharge. Long-term follow-up (≥ 1 year) was obtained from owners by telephone. RESULTS: 18 bulls were included, and 17 were bucking bulls. Median age and duration of signs were 4.5 years and 23 days, respectively. The most common owner complaints were nonspecific signs (eg, separation from the herd, hypo- or anorexia, and weight loss; n = 10) and suspected horn or sinus infection (7). Only 8 bulls had nasal discharge, and only 7 of the 17 bulls for which the rectal temperature was recorded were febrile. Results of radiography indicated frontal sinusitis in 12 of 13 bulls, with increased opacity of the affected sinus (n = 11) noted most commonly. Seventeen bulls were discharged from the hospital alive. Long-term follow-up was obtained for 14 bulls, including 13 bucking bulls. All 14 bulls recovered fully, and 9 of the 13 bucking bulls performed well after treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that frontal sinusitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in beef cattle examined for nonspecific clinical signs and that, with appropriate treatment, the prognosis is good for long-term survival in affected beef cattle.

Evaluation of prognostic indicators for goats with pregnancy toxemia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate potential prognostic indicators for does with pregnancy toxemia (PT) and their offspring. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: 56 does. PROCEDURES: Medical records were searched to identify does with PT. Signalment, history, clinical signs, examination findings, treatments, number of offspring present, and duration of hospitalization for does as well as outcome (death vs survival to hospital discharge) for does and their kids were recorded. Variables of interest were examined for association with outcome by contingency table analyses. RESULTS: Boer goats were overrepresented, compared with the general population of goats for the facility in the last year of the study. Most (15/36) does had appropriate body condition scores. All pregnancies involved twins (11/56), triplets (37), or quadruplets (7). Neutrophilia (26/26) and hyperglycemia (32/40) were common in does. Most (39/56) does survived to hospital discharge. Does with high BUN concentration and those with serum bicarbonate concentration < 15 mEq/L were more likely to die than does without these findings. Forty-nine does survived to delivery of offspring; survival to discharge for these does was positively associated with outcome of their offspring. Among offspring of dams that survived to their delivery, twins had a higher survival rate than quadruplets. Death was more likely for offspring delivered by cesarean section than for those delivered vaginally. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested Boers were more likely to develop PT than goats of other breeds in the population examined at the study hospital. In contrast with other studies, hyperglycemia was common in affected does. Further research is needed to confirm associations with outcome identified in this study.

Surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus in a dorper sheep.

OBJECTIVE: To report the diagnosis and treatment of a companion dorper wether with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMAL: An 8-month-old dorper wether presented to its primary care veterinarian for a persistent cough and was referred for suspected heart failure on the basis of physical examination and thoracic radiography. A PDA was diagnosed on echocardiography. METHODS: The sheep underwent cardiac catheterization and angiogram to measure pulmonary arterial and right ventricular (RV) pressures, identify the morphology of the PDA, and determine whether an intravascular occlusion of the PDA was feasible. Pulmonary artery pressure was 84/53 mm Hg (mean = 66), and RV pressures were 79/5 mm Hg (mean = 45); these were consistent with pulmonary hypertension. The size and shape of the PDA precluded vascular occlusion. Instead, the PDA was ligate through a left fourth intercostal approach. RESULTS: The sheep improved clinically after surgery. The PDA seemed closed on echocardiogram 3 days after surgery. Measurement of postoperative fractional shortening was consistent with decreased left ventricular systolic function that had resolved according to follow-up echocardiography. CONCLUSION: We report the first known diagnostic evaluation and successful treatment of naturally occurring PDA in a companion sheep. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: For economically valuable small ruminants, radiographs, echocardiography and cardiac catheterization can be used to diagnose and plan surgical treatment of PDAs, with a potential for a good long-term outcome.

Outcome and complications in goats treated by perineal urethrostomy for obstructive urolithiasis: 25 cases (2010-2017).

BACKGROUND: Obstructive urolithiasis commonly affects male goats. Perineal urethrostomy (PU) can be a permanent treatment option but is generally considered undesirable because of the risk of stricture of the urethral stoma. Limited information exists regarding long-term outcome and complications in goats undergoing PU for treatment of obstructive urolithiasis. OBJECTIVES: To determine short-term and long-term outcome and complications in goats undergoing PU for treatment of obstructive urolithiasis. ANIMALS: Twenty-five client-owned goats. METHODS: Multi-institutional retrospective case series. RESULTS: Of the 25 goats, 13 (52%) were alive at the time of follow-up. Mean time from surgery to follow-up was 34 months (range, 4-65). Nine goats (36%) died between discharge and follow-up with a mean survival time of 46 days (range, 5-120). Cause of death in 7 of 9 (78%) goats was related to urolithiasis. Goats treated by use of a modified proximal perineal urethrostomy (MPPU) were significantly more likely to survive at least 150 days postoperatively (P < .01). The most common postoperative complications were hemorrhage (10/25 [40%]) and surgical site infection (3/25 [12%]). Hemorrhage was significantly associated with MPPU (P < .0001). Stricture of the surgical stoma occurred in 7 of 22 (32%) discharged goats. Mean time to stricture was 65 days (range, 10-240). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Perineal urethrostomy can provide effective long-term resolution of obstructive urolithiasis in goats. Re-obstruction or stricture seems most likely within the 1st 2 months after surgery. MPPU may provide better long-term results but should be approached cautiously because it can be associated with life-threatening hemorrhage.

Retrograde catheterization of the urinary bladder in healthy male goats by use of angiographic catheters.

OBJECTIVE To identify and evaluate 3 types of angiographic catheters for retrograde urinary bladder catheterization in healthy male goats. ANIMALS 12 sexually intact yearling Alpine-cross bucks. PROCEDURES Three 5F angiographic catheters of the same length (100 cm) and diameter (0.17 cm) but differing in curvature at the tip were labeled A (straight tip), B (tip bent in 1 place), and C (tip bent in 2 places). During a single anesthetic episode, attempts were made to blindly pass each catheter into the urinary bladder of each goat. Order of catheters used was randomized, and the veterinarian passing the catheter was blinded as to catheter identity. The total number of attempts at catheter passage and the total number of successful attempts were recorded. RESULTS Catheter A was unsuccessfully passed in all 12 goats, catheter B was successfully passed in 8 goats, and catheter C was successfully passed in 4 goats. The success rate for catheter B was significantly greater than that for catheter A; however, no significant difference was identified between catheters B and C or catheters A and C. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE 2 angiographic catheters were identified that could be successfully, blindly advanced in a retrograde direction into the urinary bladder of healthy sexually intact male goats. Such catheters may be useful for determining urethral patency, emptying the urinary bladder, and instilling chemolysing agents in goats with clinical obstructive urolithiasis.

Surgical correction of bilateral metacarpophalangeal valgus with curved osteotomies and type II external skeletal fixation in a seven-month-old alpaca.

OBJECTIVE: To report the successful surgical correction of severe bilateral metacarpophalangeal valgus angular limb deformities in a seven-month-old intact male alpaca cria using curved osteotomies stabilized with type II external skeletal fixation. METHODS: Using a 21 mm crescentic shaped oscillating saw blade, bilateral osteotomies were performed in the distal metaphyses of the fused third and fourth metacarpal bones to correct valgus angular limb deformity of the metacarpophalangeal joints. Axial alignment of each limb was achieved by medially rotating the distal metacarpus in the frontal plane along the curved osteotomies. The osteotomies were stabilized using type II external skeletal fixators. RESULTS: The alpaca was immediately weight-bearing following the surgical procedure and no to minimal lameness was observed during healing of the osteotomies. Evaluation at five and 10 months following the surgery demonstrated acceptable axial alignment in the left forelimb while moderate to severe varus deformity (overcorrection) was observed in the right. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Curved osteotomy of the distal metacarpus stabilized with type II external skeletal fixation can provide a favourable outcome in older alpaca crias affected with metacarpophalangeal angular limb deformities. Placement of the distal transfixation pins relative to the metacarpal physes should be carefully evaluated as overcorrection is possible, especially if growthpotential remains in only one physis of the fused third and fourth metacarpal bones.

Bacteremia in the pedal circulation following regional intravenous perfusion of a 2% lidocaine solution in cattle with deep digital sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether pedal bacteremia develops following regional IV perfusion (RIVP) of a 2% lidocaine hydrochloride solution in cattle with deep digital sepsis (DDS) and to determine which bacterial pathogens are most commonly isolated from the pedal circulation. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. ANIMALS: 9 adult cattle with DDS in 10 limbs and 10 healthy adult cattle with no evidence of lameness or digital infection. PROCEDURES: Blood samples were obtained aseptically from the dorsal common digital vein immediately following tourniquet application and 30 to 60 minutes after aseptic RIVP with a 2% lidocaine solution. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were performed on all samples collected. For cattle with DDS, clinical examination with or without debridement of digital lesions was performed after RIVP. RESULTS: Bacteria were isolated from pedal blood prior to RIVP in 1 cow with DDS and after RIVP and examination with or without debridement in that cow and 4 additional cattle with DDS. Bacteria were not isolated from any blood sample obtained from the healthy cattle. Of the 8 bacterial isolates identified, 5 were gram-positive facultative anaerobes. Cattle with DDS were significantly more likely to develop bacteremia in the pedal circulation than were healthy cattle following RIVP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that bacteremia may be present in the pedal circulation before and following RIVP and examination with or without debridement in cattle with DDS. Thus, systemic or local antimicrobial treatment might be warranted prior to or concurrently with RIVP in cattle with DDS.

Cantharidin toxicosis in 2 alpacas.

Two adult alpacas were presented for recumbency and reluctance to rise. Cantharidin toxicosis was suspected based on clinical and ancillary diagnostic findings. The diagnosis was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of gastric contents and urine. Despite medical treatment, neither alpaca survived. Blister beetle toxicosis has not been previously described in camelids. Challenges in treatment of affected ruminants or pseudoruminants are noted.

Toxicose à la cantharidine chez 2 alpagas. Deux alpagas adultes ont été présentés pour décubitus et une réticence à se lever. La toxicose à la cantharidine a été soupçonnée en se fondant sur des résultats diagnostiques cliniques et auxiliaires. Le diagnostic a été confirmé par chromatographie en phase gazeuse et spectromètre de masse du contenu gastrique et de l'urine. Malgré un traitement médical, les deux alpagas n'ont pas survécu. La toxicose aux cantharides n'avait pas été décrite antérieurement chez les camélidés. Les difficultés du traitement des ruminants ou des pseudoruminants sont signalées.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Caudal vena caval thrombosis following treatment of deep digital sepsis.

A diagnosis of caudal vena caval thrombosis was made by ultrasonography of a Holstein cow presented for lethargy and poor milk production. Medical treatment was unsuccessful and the cow was euthanized. The diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy and Fusobacterium necrophorum was isolated from the thrombus. This paper discusses potential novel sources of caval thrombosis in this case.

Severe anemia associated with Mycoplasma wenyonii infection in a mature cow.

The clinical findings, diagnostic tests, and treatment of clinical anemia in a mature Angus cow infected with the hemoplasma Mycoplasma wenyonii are described. Mycoplasma wenyonii has been previously reported to cause clinical anemia in young or splenectomized cattle; however, infection has not been associated with severe anemia in mature animals.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome in an alpaca cria.

A 7-hour-old alpaca was presented for lethargy and depression. The cria responded favorably to initial treatment but developed acute-onset dyspnea 48 hours later. Acute respiratory distress syndrome was diagnosed by thoracic imaging and blood gas analysis. The cria was successfully treated with corticosteroids and discharged from the hospital.

Use of dietary cation anion difference for control of urolithiasis risk factors in goats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine correlations between dietary cation anion difference (DCAD) and urine pH, urine specific gravity, and blood pH in goats. ANIMALS: 24 crossbred goat wethers. PROCEDURES: Goats were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 DCAD groups (-150, -75, 0, or +75 mEq/kg of feed) and fed pelleted feed and ground hay for 7 days. The diet was then supplemented with ammonium chloride to achieve the assigned DCAD of each group for 7 days. Urine was obtained for pH and specific gravity measurements at hours -3 to -1, 1 to 3, 5 to 7, 9 to 11, and 13 to 15 relative to the morning feeding. Blood pH was determined on alternate days of the study period. RESULTS: Goats in the -150 and -75 mEq/kg groups had a urine pH of 6.0 to 6.5 two days after initiation of administration of ammonium chloride, and urine pH decreased to < 6.0 by day 7. Goats in the 0 mEq/kg group had a urine pH from 6.0 to 6.5 on day 5, whereas urine pH in goats in the +75 mEq/kg group remained > 6.5 throughout the trial. Urine specific gravity differed only between the -150 mEq/kg and the -75 mEq/kg groups. Blood pH in the -150 mEq/kg group was significantly lower than that in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Goats in the 0 mEq/kg DCAD group had a urine pH of 6.0 to 6.5 five days after intitiation of feeding the diet, and that pH was maintained through day 7, without significant reduction in blood pH. This may serve as a target for diet formulation for the prevention of urolithiasis.

Detection of an antigenic group 2 coronavirus in an adult alpaca with enteritis.

Antigenic group 2 coronavirus was detected in a fecal sample of an adult alpaca by reverse transcription-PCR. The presence of alpaca coronavirus (ApCoV) in the small intestine was demonstrated by immune histochemistry with an antinucleocapsid monoclonal antibody that reacts with group 2 coronaviruses. Other common causes of diarrhea in adult camelids were not detected. We conclude that nutritional stress may have predisposed the alpaca to severe ApCoV infection.

Pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in serum and synovial fluid after regional intravenous perfusion in the distal portion of the hind limb of adult cows.

OBJECTIVE: To define the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in synovial fluid (SYNF) and serum from central venous (CV) and digital venous (DV) blood samples following regional IV perfusion (RIVP) of the distal portion of the hind limb in cows. ANIMALS: 6 healthy adult cows. PROCEDURES: In each cow, IV catheters were placed in the dorsal common digital vein (DCDV) and the plantar vein of the lateral digit, and an indwelling catheter was placed in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the left hind limb. A pneumatic tourniquet was applied to the midmetatarsal region. Florfenicol (2.2 mg/kg) was administered into the DCDV. Samples of DV blood, SYNF, and CV (jugular) blood were collected after 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 hours, and the tourniquet was removed; additional samples were collected at intervals for 24 hours after infusion. Florfenicol analysis was performed via high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: In DV blood, CV blood, and SYNF, mean +/- SD maximum florfenicol concentration was 714.79 +/- 301.93 microg/mL, 5.90 +/- 1.37 microg/mL, and 39.19 +/- 29.42 microg/mL, respectively; area under the concentration versus time curve was 488.14 +/- 272.53 h*microg*mL(1), 23.10 +/- 6.91 h*microg*mL(1), and 113.82 +/- 54.71 h*microg*mL(1), respectively; and half-life was 4.09 +/- 1.93 hours, 4.77 +/- 0.67 hours, and 3.81 +/- 0.81 hours, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Following RIVP, high florfenicol concentrations were achieved in DV blood and SYNF, whereas the CV blood concentration remained low. In cattle, RIVP of florfenicol may be useful in the treatment of infectious processes involving the distal portion of limbs.

Diagnostic ultrasonography in ruminants.

The use of diagnostic ultrasound equipment is becoming widespread within various sectors of veterinary practice. Ultrasonographic examination has several advantages over other imaging modalities and it can be applied in hospital and ambulatory settings. It has the potential for widespread use in the diagnosis of disorders of several body systems in food animal species. This article describes its application to gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, cardiothoracic, urogenital, and umbilical disorders. Normal and abnormal findings are portrayed and discussed. Accurate and timely use of this diagnostic modality requires a modest amount of training and practice, but it allows for relatively rapid, inexpensive, and noninvasive acquisition of clinically relevant data.