Abomasal lesions found in postmortem examination of fattening Holstein-Friesian bulls from central Poland.

The health of the gastrointestinal tract in cattle is one of the factors influencing adequate nutrient absorption and body weight gain. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of lesions found in the abomasum of Polish fattening Holstein-Friesian bulls. A total of 149 abomasa from adult bulls from two voivodeships of central Poland were inspected for pathologicalanatomic position (displacement, volvulus), impaction, mucosal membrane lesions (inflammation, hyperplasia), and signs of parasite infestation(Moroccan leather, worm nodules) in one of the Polish abattoirs just after slaughter. Among all the examined males no lesions were observed in only 8 individuals. The most common findings were erosions (75.8%) and type 1 ulcerations (48.3%) of the body, pylorus, or both locations. Signs of parasite infestations were observed in 78.5% of the inspected animals. Significant differences correlated with age were found in the prevalence of healed ulcers, and between voivodeships in the prevalence of type 2 ulcers. The findings of this study indicate that most fattening bulls in Poland suffer from subclinical forms of abomasa inflammation (both diffuse and focal) and middle-large abomasum parasites invasions, which can influence the economics and profitability, as well as welfare, of livestock production.

Abomasal impaction in buffaloes: Risk factors, clinical indicators, necropsy findings, and histology studies.

The present study aims to identify potential risk factors and most possible clinical indicators of abomasal impaction in buffaloes. Among the screened buffaloes (n = 636), the logistic model was fitted for 491 buffaloes because of the non-availability of parity-related data for 145 buffaloes. Third-trimester pregnancy, feeding paddy straw alone, and concurrent disorders were identified as the potential risk factors using multivariate regression analysis. The buffaloes reared by farmers devoid of land tended to have a higher incidence of abomasal impaction. Depressed demeanour, absence of rumination, abdominal guarding, scleral congestion, sunken eyeballs, anorexia, reduced dung output, abacus beads-like faeces, colic signs (straining to defecate, frequent lying down, and kicking at abdomen), tachypnea, and tachycardia were the most repeatedly noticed clinical signs in buffaloes diagnosed with abomasal impaction. Further, the principal component analysis revealed increased rumen fluid sedimentation time and chloride content, serum creatine phosphokinase, and blood neutrophil and eosinophil content along with decreased blood lymphocytes proportion, potassium, and chloride as the greatest indicators for abomasal impaction. Next to them, a higher rumen fluid methylene blue reduction time, serum urea nitrogen, and blood total leucocyte count, along with a lower serum albumin and blood haemoglobin were the best possible indicators for diagnosis. The necropsy findings of the buffaloes that died with abomasal disorders revealed an abomasum with increased dimensions and constant pitting on pressure. Furthermore, the histopathological studies showed degeneration and necrosis of the abomasal wall with infiltrated mononuclear cells. The results of the study help in designing a comprehensive evaluation mechanism for diagnosing abomasal impaction in buffaloes.

Altered Fecal Microbiome and Correlations of the Metabolome with Plasma Metabolites in Dairy Cows with Left Displaced Abomasum.

Left displaced abomasum (LDA) in postpartum dairy cows contributes to significant economic losses. Dairy cows with LDA undergo excessive lipid mobilization and insulin resistance. Although gut dysbiosis is implicated, little is known about the role of the gut microbiota in the abnormal metabolic processes of LDA. To investigate the functional links among microbiota, metabolites, and disease phenotypes in LDA, we performed 16S rDNA gene amplicon sequencing and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) of fecal samples from cows with LDA (n = 10) and healthy cows (n = 10). Plasma marker profiling was synchronously analyzed. In the LDA event, gut microbiota composition and fecal metabolome were shifted in circulation with an amino acid pool deficit in dairy cows. Compared with the healthy cows, salicylic acid derived from microbiota catabolism was decreased in the LDA cows, which negatively correlated with Akkermansia, Prevotella, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), and ß-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) levels. Conversely, fecal taurolithocholic acid levels were increased in cows with LDA. Based on integrated analysis with the plasma metabolome, eight genera and eight metabolites were associated with LDA. Of note, the increases in Akkermansia and Oscillospira abundances were negatively correlated with the decreases in 4-pyridoxic acid and cytidine levels, and positively correlated with the increases in NEFA and BHBA levels in amino acid deficit, indicating pyridoxal metabolism-associated gut dysbiosis and lipolysis. Changes in branched-chain amino acids implicated novel host-microbial metabolic pathways involving lipolysis and insulin resistance in cows with LDA. Overall, these results suggest an interplay between host and gut microbes contributing to LDA pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE LDA is a major contributor to economic losses in the dairy industry worldwide; however, the mechanisms associated with the metabolic changes in LDA remain unclear. Most previous studies have focused on the rumen microbiota in terms of understanding the contributors to the productivity and health of dairy cows; this study further sheds light on the relevance of the lower gut microbiota and its associated metabolites in mediating the development of LDA. This study is the first to characterize the correlation between gut microbes and metabolic phenotypes in dairy cows with LDA by leveraging multi-omics data, highlighting that the gut microbe may be involved in the regulation of lipolysis and insulin resistance by modulating the amino acid composition. Moreover, this study provides new markers for further research to understand the pathogenesis of the disease as well as to develop effective treatment and prevention strategies.

Left displacement of the abomasum in a reticulated giraffe bull in managed care.

A 10-y-old giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) bull developed colic after a 3-mo history of reduced feed consumption. Physical examination and management were performed with 2 standing sedations. The giraffe developed metabolic alkalosis and progressive pre-renal azotemia followed by compensatory respiratory acidosis and paradoxical aciduria. A metallic "ping" sound was auscultated on the left side near ribs 10-12. The giraffe was euthanized given the grave prognosis, and postmortem examination confirmed left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) with fluid sequestration (150-190 L [40-50 gal]) within the rumen. Dental disease was evident at postmortem examination and perimortem skull computed tomography. To ensure cases of LDA are not overlooked, the position of the abomasum must be noted during postmortem examination prior to removal of the gastrointestinal tract. The risk factors for the development of LDA in giraffes are not known, and associations such as those of dairy cattle (hypocalcemia, high-concentrate low-fiber diet, and indoor housing) remain to be elucidated.

The clinical efficacy of pentoxifylline and l-glutamine on ischemia and reperfusion injury in cattle with displaced abomasum: a longitudinal study.

This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of pentoxifylline (PTX) and L-glutamine (L-Gln) treatment on ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury in the abomasal tissue, acute phase response (APR), oxidative stress (OS), cytokine response, hemostatic, and coagulation disorders in the 96-h period before and after surgery in displaced abomasum (DA) cases. The study sample consisted of 48 dairy cows with DA that were categorized into four groups as group S (Sham group) (9 Left displaced abomasum (LDA)+3 Right displaced abomasum (RDA), group P (PTX) (10 LDA+2 RDA), group G (L-Gln) (10 LDA+2 RDA), and group P+G (PTX+L-Gln) (10 LDA+2 RDA). Acute-phase protein (Haptoglobin), oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and glutathione), cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), coagulation factors (D-Dimer, Antithrombin (ATIII), Thrombin-antithrombin complex, Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1), and enzyme activities (lactate dehydrogenase, gamma- -glutamyl transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, adenosine deaminase, myeloperoxidase, and creatine phosphokinase) in blood serum samples and coagulometric analyses of blood plasma were performed in samples taken before the operation and at 30 and 60 min and 2, 5, 10, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after the operation. In DA cases, while post-operative treatment procedures with PTX and L-Gln were effective in decreasing APR and OS, these were ineffective in prohibiting the inflammatory response coordinated by cytokines. For the treatment and prevention of I/R injury in the DA cases, PTX and L-Gln procedures hold promise with their effects on APR, OS, and hemostatic dysfunction. Additional treatment procedures are required for the suppression of inflammatory response, and the effectiveness of preconditioning treatment may be evaluated.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal, liver and claw disorders in veal calves fed large amounts of solid feed through a cross-sectional study.

The impact of the current practice of feeding veal calves with large amounts of solid feed (SF) on the prevalence of specific disorders on rumen, abomasum, liver and claws was investigated through a post-mortem inspection at the abattoir. Forty-one batches ("batch" referred to a group of calves of the same breed, coming from the same farm and belonging to the same slaughter group) of crossbred male calves from dairy breed were randomly inspected at 213.6 days old. On average 16.0 rumens, 15.6 abomasa, 15.1 livers, and 30.5 hind claws were checked per batch. Rumens were evaluated for the presence of hyperkeratosis and plaques; abomasa for the presence of lesions in the pyloric area; livers for the presence of lipidosis, abscess or fibrous adherence; and claws for the presence of sole hemorrhages. More than 60% of rumens per batch had signs of hyperkeratosis and plaques, and 80 to 100% of abomasa per batch showed at least 1 lesion in the pyloric area. On average 24% of livers per batch were diseased and about 65% of claws per batch had sole hemorrhages. Affected abomasa were positively correlated to rumens with plaques. Claws with sole hemorrhages tended to be positively correlated to rumens with hyperkeratosis. Calves of inspected batches were fed 311 ± 31 kg DM/cycle of milk-replacer and 158 ± 44 kg DM/cycle of SF containing more than 85% of corn grain. Based on the recorded prevalence of alterations, this feeding strategy should be reconsidered in order to improve veal calves' welfare.

Diagnostic reliability of clinical signs in cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis and abomasal ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Clinical signs of traumatic reticuloperitonitis and abomasal ulcer are often similar making the disorders difficult to differentiate. The goal of our study was to compare the frequency of individual clinical signs of cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis and cows with abomasal ulcers and determine their diagnostic significance. The frequency of the findings "rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, demeanour, signs of colic, arched back, abdominal guarding, bruxism, scleral vessels, rumen motility, foreign body tests, percussion auscultation, swinging auscultation and faecal colour" of cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP, n = 503) and cows with type 1 (U1, n = 94), type 2 (U2, n = 145), type 3 (U3, n = 60), type 4 (U4, n = 87) and type 5 (U5, n = 14) abomasal ulcer were compared, and the reliability indices "diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values and positive likelihood ratio" were calculated. A total of 182 healthy cows served as controls (control group). RESULTS: None of the cows in the control group had colic, rumen atony or melena, 99% had no abnormalities in demeanor and appetite and did not have a rectal temperature of ≤38.6 or >  40.0 °C, a heart rate >  100 bpm or a respiratory rate >  55 breaths per min, and 95% did not have an arched back or bruxism. The control group was therefore ideal for comparative purposes. Many signs such as mild increase in rectal temperature, scleral congestion and positive foreign body test were non-diagnostic because they occurred in healthy as well as in ill cows. Likewise, differentiation of cows with TRP and abomasal ulcer was not possible based on single clinical variables; a detailed history and a comprehensive assessment of all clinical findings were required for this. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study serve as a guide for the veterinarian in the differentiation of cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis and abomasal ulcer.

Poisoning by Enterolobium contortisiliquum pods in calves showing photosensitization and digestive lesions / [Lesões digestivas e fotossensibilização em bezerros intoxicados pelas favas de Enterolobium contortisiliquum]

Este trabalho descreve um surto de rumenite e abomasite decorrente de sobrecarga de carboidratos em um rebanho de 238 bezerros, com idades entre 12 e 15 meses, causada pela ingestão dos frutos de Enterolobium contortisiliquum. As taxas de morbidade, mortalidade e letalidade foram de, respectivamente, 12,7%, 5,2% e 42,1%. Clinicamente, os bovinos apresentaram fotossensibilização, salivação e diarreia. Os achados de necropsia foram semelhantes nos dois bezerros necropsiados e consistiram de fotodermatite e rumenite ulcerativa multifocal, subaguda a crônica, e abomasite. A relevância deste relato é que, pela primeira vez, foi possível associar a ocorrência da rumenite devido à sobrecarga de carboidratos com a intoxicação espontânea por E. contortisiliquum em bovinos, confirmando achados anteriormente descritos em experimentos realizados com ovinos.(AU)

Changes in oxidative stress parameters in healthy and diseased Holstein cows during the transition period in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan.

We investigated changes in oxidative stress markers during the transition period in healthy Holstein cows and those with postpartum diseases. Transition control (TC) Holstein cows (n=9) were evaluated for longitudinal changes during the transition period and postpartum diseased (PD) cows with ketosis (n=10), abomasal displacement (n=9), and acute mastitis (n=10) were evaluated in comparison to control cows (n=10). In the TC group, blood samples were collected at 2 weeks prepartum and at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postpartum. Milk yield and composition were measured at 2 and 4 weeks postpartum. In the PD group, blood samples were collected at the first day of examination during the 60 days postpartum. Peripheral oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, MDA; potential antioxidant capacity, PAO; and glutathione peroxidase) were measured, and biochemical analyses were performed. In the TC group, MDA increased significantly postpartum and was correlated with milk yield, blood glucose (Glu), free fatty acid (FFA), ß-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), and aspartate aminotransferase. Compared to the control cows, PD cows with ketosis had significantly higher MDA and significantly lower PAO. Moreover, MDA was significantly correlated with Glu, FFA, and BHB. Postpartum increase in MDA might interact with milk yield and Glu, FFA, and BHB in the TC cows, and postpartum diseases, especially ketosis, might signify its increase and interaction with Glu, FFA, and BHB.

Ultrasonographic documentation of type-3 abomasal ulcer in a cow with left displacement of the abomasum.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonographic documentation of perforated abomasal ulcer has not been published till now. This report describes the clinical, ultrasonographic and postmortem findings in a Jersey cow with type-3 abomasal ulcer and left displacement of the abomasum (LDA). CASE REPORT: The main clinical findings were abnormal demeanour, rumen atony and tympany, positive foreign body tests, positive auscultation and simultaneous ballottement on the left side, abdominal guarding and loss of negative pressure in the abdominal cavity. The tentative diagnosis was peritonitis and LDA. Abdominal ultrasonography produced images typical of LDA, and in one location between the abdominal wall and abomasum there was a layer of fibrin, a fibrin clot, a break in the abomasal contour, suggestive of a perforated ulcer, and partial obstruction of this gap with fibrin. The diagnosis of perforated abomasal ulcer with subsequent peritonitis was confirmed during postmortem examination. CONCLUSIONS: The examination of this case shows that under certain circumstances, ultrasonographic imaging of a perforated abomasal ulcer in a cow is possible. Antemortem diagnosis of type-3 abomasal ulcer is preferable to relying on exploratory laparotomy and/or post-mortem examination.

Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings in 94 cows with type-1 abomasal ulcer.

INTRODUCTION: This study included 94 cows aged 2.1 to 12.0 years (5.2 ± 2.05 years) that were examined at a referral clinic because of type-1 abomasal ulcer. The most common clinical findings were poor general health status (94%), partial or complete anorexia (93%), congested scleral vessels (89%), decreased skin surface temperature (76%), decreased or absent faecal output (72%), abdominal guarding (59%), tachypnoea (56%), rumen atony (53%) and positive percussion and simultaneous auscultation and/or ballottement and simultaneous auscultation on the right side (53%). The most common laboratory findings were hypokalaemia (68%), positive base excess (60%) and azotaemia (51%). The chloride concentration of rumen fluid was increased in 48% of the cows. The diagnosis of type-1 ulcer was made during laparotomy and/or postmortem examination. One or more concurrent diseases were diagnosed in 97% of the cows. Seventy-eight (83%) cows were euthanased immediately after the initial examination, during laparotomy or after unsuccessful treatment, and eight (8.5%) cows died, and all were examined postmortem. Eight (8.5%) cows were discharged and six of these made a complete recovery.

INTRODUCTION: La présente étude a inclus 94 vaches âgées de 2,1 à 12,0 ans (5,2 ± 2,05 ans) qui ont été examinées dans une clinique de référence en raison d'un ulcère de la caillette de type 1. Les signes cliniques les plus courants étaient un mauvais état de santé général (94%), une anorexie partielle ou complète (93%), des vaisseaux scléraux congestionnés (89%), une diminution de la température de la surface de la peau (76%), une diminution ou une absence de débit fécal (72%), une défense abdominale (59%), de la tachypnée (56%), une atonie du rumen (53%) et une percussion positive avec auscultation simultanée (PSA) et / ou ballottement et auscultation simultanée (BSA) du côté droit (53%). Les résultats de laboratoire les plus courants étaient l'hypokaliémie (68%), l'excès de base positif (60%) et l'azotémie (51%). La concentration en chlorure du liquide du rumen a augmenté chez 48% des vaches. Le diagnostic d'ulcère de type 1 a été posé lors de la laparotomie et/ou de l'autopsie. Une ou plusieurs maladies concomitantes ont été diagnostiquées chez 97% des vaches. Soixante-dix-huit vaches (83%) ont été euthanasiées immédiatement après l'examen initial, pendant la laparotomie ou après un traitement infructueux, et huit vaches (8,5%) sont mortes. Toutes ont été examinées post-mortem. Huit vaches (8,5%) sont sorties de clinique et six d'entre elles ont complètement récupéré.

Type-5 abomasal ulcer and omental bursitis in 14 cows.

BACKGROUND: Type-5 abomasal ulcer (U5) is a perforated ulcer that causes peritonitis limited to the omental bursa. This retrospective study describes the clinical and laboratory findings in 14 cattle with omental bursitis due to U5. The medical records of 14 cows aged 2.5 to 14.6 years (5.4 ± 3.1 years) with U5 were scrutinised. RESULTS: The most common clinical findings were partial or complete anorexia (100%), abdominal guarding (100%), obtunded demeanour (93%), congested scleral vessels (79%), tachypnoea (71%), rumen atony (64%), diminished faecal output (64%), reduced skin surface temperature (64%) and fever (46%). Four (29%) cows had between one and four concomitant diseases. The most common abnormal laboratory findings were hypokalemia (71%), haemoconcentration (57%), metabolic acidosis (57%) and azotaemia (43%). All cows were euthanased; five immediately after the initial examination, one after exploratory laparotomy and eight after unsuccessful treatment. A diagnosis of U5 was made in all cows during postmortem examination. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for improvement of the antemortem diagnosis of U5 because reliable differentiation of this disease from other conditions with a similar clinical presentation is currently not feasible.

Identification of disordered metabolic networks in postpartum dairy cows with left displacement of the abomasum through integrated metabolomics and pathway analyses.

High-producing dairy cows are easily affected by left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) within 4 weeks postpartum. Although LDA is highly associated with metabolic disturbances, the related information on comprehensive metabolic changes, with the exception of some blood biochemical parameters, remains limited. In this study, the changes in plasma metabolites and in the metabolic profile of postpartum dairy cows with LDA were investigated through liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q/TOF-MS)-based metabolomics, and the metabolic networks related to LDA were constructed through metabolomics pathway analysis (MetPA). An obvious change in the metabolic profile was reflected by significant variations in 68 plasma metabolites in postpartum dairy cows with LDA, and these variations consequently altered 13 metabolic pathways (histidine metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, citrate cycle, butanoate metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism). This study shows that the more detailed information obtained by LC-Q/TOF-MS-based metabolomics and MetPA might contribute to a better understanding of the disordered metabolic networks in postpartum dairy cows with LDA.

Clinical and laboratory findings in 60 cows with type-3 abomasal ulcer.

INTRODUCTION: This study involved 60 cows aged 1.9 to 13 years (mean 4.8 ± 2.3 years) with type-3 abomasal ulcer. The most common clinical signs were, in decreasing order of frequency, partial or complete anorexia (98%), obtunded demeanour (95%), decreased skin surface temperature (78%), congested scleral vessels (73%), abdominal guarding (61%), tachypnoea (58%), fever (58%) and tachycardia (55%). One or more concomitant disorders were diagnosed in 86% of the cows. The most common abnormal laboratory findings were hypokalaemia (75%), shortened glutaraldehyde test time (46%) and hyperfibrinogenaemia (43%). The diagnosis of type-3 abomasal ulcer was made in all cows during laparotomy and/or at postmortem examination. Forty-eight (80%) cows were euthanased immediately after the initial examination, during laparotomy or after unsuccessful treatment. Twelve (20%) cows were treated with a solution of sodium chloride and glucose administered via an indwelling jugular catheter, antibiotics, metamizole or flunixin, and discharged from the clinic. Ten cows were still in production two years later.

INTRODUCTION: Cette étude portait sur 60 vaches âgées de 1,9 à 13 ans (moyenne de 4,8 ± 2,3 ans) atteintes d'un ulcère de la caillette de type 3. Les signes cliniques les plus fréquents étaient, par ordre de fréquence décroissante, une anorexie partielle ou complète (98%), un comportement apathique (95%), une diminution de la température de la peau (78%), des vaisseaux scléraux congestionnés (73%), une défense abdominale (61%) de la tachypnée (58%), de la fièvre (58%) et tachycardie (55%). Un ou plusieurs troubles concomitants ont été diagnostiqués chez 86% des vaches. Les résultats de laboratoire anormaux les plus fréquents étaient une hypokaliémie (75%), une durée réduite du test du glutaraldéhyde (46%) et une hyperfibrinogénémie (43%). Le diagnostic d'ulcère de la caillette de type 3 a été posé chez toutes les vaches au cours d'une laparotomie et/ou lors de l'examen post mortem. Quarante-huit (80%) des vaches ont été euthanasiées immédiatement après l'examen initial, pendant la laparotomie ou après un traitement infructueux. Douze (20%) vaches ont été traitées avec une solution de chlorure de sodium et de glucose administrée via un cathéter jugulaire à demeure, des antibiotiques, du métamizole ou de la flunixine et ont quitté la clinique. Dix de ces vaches étaient encore en production deux ans plus tard.

An investigation into the development of right displaced abomasum by rolling 268 dairy cows with left displaced abomasum.

Right displaced abomasum (RDA) and abomasal volvulus (AV) are common diseases in cattle. However, presently there is no consensus regarding the pathogenesis and nomenclature of the different positions that the abomasum can adopt in the right side of the cow. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the etiopathogenesis of the right displaced abomasum according to the description of the features observed in 268 cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA), which were rolled to induce the movement of the abomasum from the left side to the right (in fact, inducing an RDA in 44% of cases), to facilitate the surgical approach, and immediately surgically treated (abomasal omentopexy from the right side). The observed RDA positions matched previously published descriptions and names, and the authors propose a holistic and simpler nomenclature and a clear hypothesis on RDA etiopathogenesis. In 54.1% of the cases, the abomasum moved to a normal position after rolling. The most common RDA position observed was caudal displacement of the RDA (CdRDA; 70 out of 119 RDA cases; 26.1% of the total number of cows), followed by lateral displacement (LRDA; 32 of 119; 11.9% of all cases), cranial displacement (CrRDA; 8 of 119; 3% of the total), medial displacement (MRDA; 4 of 119; 1.5% of the total), and finally, displacement lateral to the omasum (LORDA; 3 of 119; 1.1% of the total). Adverse events directly due to the rolling procedure were mesenteric root volvulus (3 of 268), cecocolic volvulus (2 of 268) and torsion (1 of 268), and uterus torsion (2 of 10 pregnant cows); 1 abortion (1 of 10 pregnant cows) was also observed. We suggest that CdRDA is the first stage of an RDA that can become an LRDA with increasing pressure. An LRDA can become an AV if rotating counterclockwise, viewed from above. An LDA, CdRDA, or LRDA could be initial forms of LORDA and CrRDA, and occur when forestomachs are empty or when the animal stands up on its front legs first. The LORDA and CrRDA forms can lead to an omasum-abomasum volvulus (OAV) or to a reticulum-omasum-abomasum volvulus (ROAV) when pressure increases. With this study we establish, for the first time, the sequence and incidence of each RDA form and its complications, increasing knowledge of this syndrome and its pathogenesis. This understanding critically aids the surgeon's ability to accurately assess and correct this disease and to predict prognosis.

Measuring sucrose in blood after oral administration to detect abomasal ulcers in calves.

Abomasal ulcers are common in cattle, especially in calves, and to date, there is no reliable antemortem method for diagnosis, to our knowledge. We assessed if measuring sucrose in blood after oral administration in calves could be used to identify animals with abomasal ulcers. Terminally ill calves (n = 12; part A) and calves designated for slaughter (n = 123; part B) were given a sucrose solution per os, and blood samples were taken 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min (part A) or 30 and 60 min (part B) after administration. The calves were then euthanized or slaughtered, and their abomasa were examined. Serum samples were analyzed using highperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and data were analyzed using general linear mixed models. Calves both with and without affected abomasa had increasing sucrose values over time without significant differences. Also, there was no relationship between the size of the mucosal lesion and sucrose values.

Clinical and laboratory findings, treatment and outcome in 145 cows with type-2 abomasal ulcer.

This study involved 145 cows with type-2 abomasal ulcer. The most common clinical signs were, in decreasing order of frequency, depressed demeanour (100%), partial or complete anorexia (93%), rumen atony (91%), tachycardia (90%), dark or black manure (80%), prolonged capillary refill time (71%), pale mucous membranes (69%) and tachypnoea (62%). The most common abnormal laboratory findings were azotaemia (89%), low haematocrit (82%), hypokalaemia (81%), hypoproteinaemia (74%) and metabolic acidosis (61%). Ten cows were euthanased immediately after, or died during, the initial examination, and treatment was started (day 0) in 135 cows. Treatment included blood transfusion, sodium chloride/glucose solution, calcium borogluconate, vitamin C and metamizole. Fourteen cows also underwent right-flank laparotomy because of displaced abomasum (n = 7) or to rule out other causes of gastrointestinal haemorrhage (n = 7). The mean heart rate decreased significantly from 108 bpm on day 0 to 88 bpm on day 3. The haematocrit decreased significantly in cows that did not receive blood and increased significantly in the transfused cows during this period. The plasma protein concentration also increased significantly in transfused cows. Ninety-one (67%) of the 135 treated cows recovered and were discharged after a mean hospitalisation period of nine days, and 44 cows (33%) failed to respond to treatment and were euthanased or died. Aggressive treatment, which should include blood transfusion when indicated, is warranted in valuable cows because >50% can be expected to return to full production in the long term.

Effect of non-perforating abomasal lesions on reproductive performance, milk yield and carcass weight at slaughter in Danish Holstein cows.

Non-perforating abomasal lesions are common in Danish Holstein cows, but the impact on production has not been studied. Our objective was to compare milk yield, carcass weight, days to first service and initiation of breeding among cows with different non- perforating abomasal lesion types and locations to cows with no such lesions. The occurrence, type and localisation of non- perforating abomasal lesions were characterised at slaughter in Danish Holstein cows, and first insemination dates (n = 592), milk yield (n = 999) and carcass information (n = 1,317) was also available. Production and reproduction data were retrieved from all other cows from the herds of origin. This information was used to evaluate the expected production performance in the herds. Of the 1,317 cows investigated at slaughter, 572, 428, 677, and 91 cows had at least one lesion Subtype 1a (mucosal erosion), 1b (acute deeper lesion), 1c (chronic deeper lesion) or 1d (scarring following a lesion), respectively. Cows with lesion Subtype 1c and lesions in the pyloric part of the abomasum were generally found to be culled later in lactation than their herd mates. Milk yield and days to first service were not associated with any lesion types. The occurrence of lesion Subtype 1c and lesions in the pylorus were associated with a higher weight at slaughter compared to cows without lesions of this subtype or in this location. Most Subtype 1c lesions was found in the pylorus. Initiation of breeding before 150 days in milk was positively associated with the number of lesions in the corpus of the abomasum. We discovered two sources of selection bias. First, cows with lesions had a higher carcass weight but also remained in the herds for longer after calving than cows without lesions. This would give them more time to overcome the period of negative energy balance in early lactation. Second, although the causes of culling were not known, cows with no lesions generally had a relatively low milk yield and could have been culled for this reason.". While non- perforating abomasal ulcers may have an effect on the production and reproduction data, the observational data presented show no evidence of such a relationship. It may be necessary to employ other study designs to identify any effects that might exist, but if the relationship cannot be demonstrated in a dataset of this magnitude, it is not deemed to be of practical relevance.

Prevalence of abomasal lesions in Danish Holstein cows at the time of slaughter.

Abomasal lesions in cattle are challenging to diagnose because the clinical signs are often subtle and nonspecific. An increasing number of studies suggests that abomasal lesions are commonly found in cattle of all ages, but the number of recent prevalence studies in dairy cows is limited. The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of abomasal lesions in a population of Danish Holstein dairy cattle in Denmark. An abattoir survey of 1,327 dairy cows apparently suitable for slaughter was performed in 2016 and 2017. Abomasal lesions are usually classified using a standardized protocol with the following types: abomasal ulcer type I: erosions and nonperforating ulcers; type II: ulcers with arterial bleeding; type III: perforating ulcer with localized peritonitis; and type IV: perforating ulcer with diffuse peritonitis. A further subdivision of the nonperforating abomasal ulcers type I were classified as subtype Ia: erosions; subtype Ib: small ulcers with localized hemorrhage; subtype Ic: ulcers with a crater-like appearance; and subtype Id: retention of the mucosa due to tissue loss with either radial wrinkles converging at a central point or perforations of the spiral folds. Type I abomasal lesions were found in 84% of the examined cows. No ulcers with arterial bleeding (type II) or perforating ulcers with diffuse peritonitis (type IV) were found, but one perforating abomasal ulcer (type III) was observed. The total number of lesions found was 7,418 and when the lesion subtypes were evaluated individually the majority of subtypes Ia and Ic were found in the pyloric area (85 and 94%, respectively), whereas lesion subtypes Ib and Id dominated the fundus/corpus area (71 and 67%, respectively). When considering lesion subtypes according to parity, there was a high prevalence of subtype Ib across the 3 groups of parity (51, 58, and 55% for parity 1, 2, and ≥3, respectively). The prevalence of lesion subtype Id seemed to increase with increasing parity, and the prevalence of lesion subtype Ia seemed to decrease with increasing parity. The prevalence of abomasal lesions was higher than that shown in similar studies of cattle at the time of slaughter. However, the expectedly most painful cases were rare, with only one perforating and no arterial bleeding ulcers found. The etiology of the different subtype I lesions is still unknown, and further investigations are needed to establish the possible influence these lesions might have on welfare and production.

Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings in 87 cows with type-4 abomasal ulcer.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic and pathological findings in 87 cows aged 2 to 10 years (4.5 ± 1.5 years) with type-4 abomasal ulcer. RESULTS: The most common clinical findings were in decreasing order compromised health status accompanied by partial or complete anorexia (100%), abdominal guarding (81%), congested scleral vessels (77%), ruminal atony (73%), tachycardia (68%), tachypnoea (65%), positive foreign body tests (58%), decreased skin surface temperature (53%), fever (49%), reduction in negative intraabdominal pressure assessed transrectally (39%), poorly subdivided plant fragments in faeces (35%) and arched back (28%). The principal haematological abnormalities were hypokalaemia (72%), haemoconcentration (69%), azotaemia (56%), metabolic acidosis (49%), hyperfibrinogenaemia (45%), leukopenia (35%) and hypoproteinaemia (29%). Other abnormalities were aciduria (56%), haematuria (44%), increased chloride concentration in rumen fluid (34%) and abnormal peritoneal fluid (98%). Of 75 examined cows, 65 (87%) had ultrasonographic evidence of local or generalised peritonitis. On postmortem examination all cows had a type-4 abomasal ulcer and generalised peritonitis. In addition, 36 cows had type-1 ulcers, 6 had type-2 ulcers and one cow had a type-3 ulcer. DISCUSSION: The clinical signs in cows with type-4 abomasal ulcer are associated with generalised peritonitis. An increased haematocrit, indicating shock-induced haemoconcentration is characteristic in contrast to cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis. Ultrasonography is useful for visualising and assessing generalised peritonitis. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of type-4 abomasal ulcer based on clinical signs alone is difficult and therefore requires additional diagnostic procedures including the determination of the haematocrit and plasma protein concentration, abdominal ultrasonography and analysis of peritoneal fluid. In most cases, these steps lead to a correct diagnosis and allow timely euthanasia of the cow to prevent further suffering and unnecessary treatment costs. METHODS: The cows underwent a clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic and postmortem examination.