[Intradermal and serologic testing for insect bite hypersensitivity in a Dahomey-Ox]. / Intradermaler und serologischer Allergietest zur Abklärung einer Insektenstich-Hypersensitivität bei einem Dahomey-Ochsen.

This case report describes an eosinophilic dermatitis on the prepuce of a Dahomey-Ox caused by an insect bite hypersensitivity against Culicoides spp. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing intradermal allergy and serological testing in cattle.

Effect of uterine torsion intrapartum on concentrations of placental estrogens and progesterone in cattle.

OBJECTIVE: The current study investigates how uterine torsion influences placental oestrogens and progesterone blood concentrations in intrapartum cows. Our research tests the hypothesis that intrapartum uterine torsion impairs the ability of the placenta to synthesize steroids and may also suppress the release of synthesized steroids into the maternal circulation. METHODS: The study included a total number of 37 intrapartum dairy cows of various breeds and ages. These animals were transported to our clinic by their owners. Furthermore, general and obstetrical examinations of all these animals were performed in our clinic. The uterine torsion (UT) group consisted of 20 animals. The presence of UT was verified during clinical general examinations by vaginal and transrectal examination. The comparison (C) group included 17 animals whose birth was undisturbed or could be terminated with moderate obstetrical assistance. The clinical examination of group C animals showed no problems with their general health and genital organs. Blood samples were collected immediately after the initial obstetrical examination from 37 cows for radioimmunological measurement of estradiol-17ß (E2), free total estrogen (FTE), conjugated total estrogen (CTE), and progesterone (P4). RESULTS: In terms of P4, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. For all estrogen parameters, however, concentrations were significantly lower in the UT group than in the C group. In the correlation analysis, there was a significant correlation between the P4 and the FTE in the C group. Furthermore, the positive correlation between all estrogen parameters in the UT group was significant. In group C, significant positive correlations were found apart from the correlation between E2 and CTE. CONCLUSIONS: The results are consistent with the hypothesis and suggest that in UT animals processes dependent on estrogens or other placental hormones may be impaired during the peri- or postpartum period.

[Laparoscopic ovariectomy in a beef cow]. / Laparoskopische Ovariektomie bei einer Mutterkuh.

A 13.25-year-old Tyrol Grey cow was presented to the Clinic for Ruminants at the Justus Liebig University in Giessen with the request to have the animal castrated after having experienced dystocia. The cow had already given birth to 10 live calves by this time and was kept on pasture in a herd of cows and one bull. As the owner did not intend to continue breeding the cow, but still wanted to keep the animal, he brought the cow to the clinic. The animal was presented 6 weeks after calving with a calf at foot. The calf was in good general health, displayed good developmental and nutritional status and did not show any clinical abnormalities. The general, as well as the gynecological examination of the cow, were unremarkable. During the transrectal examination, the uterus could be gathered in the hand. The uterus was flaccid, not filled with fluid, and the uterine wall showed no abnormalities. The ovaries measured 3×2x2 cm on the left and 3.5 × 2.5 × 2 cm on the right. The left ovary showed no functional structures and only a few follicles were palpated on the right side. Vaginoscopy did not reveal any abnormal findings. Due to the physiological puerperium, the cow was castrated by means of laparoscopic ovariectomy. The animal was left standing, and the surgery was performed from the left flank. In the days after the surgical procedure, the cow was in good general health, showed no pain at all during transrectal palpation of the amputation sites and was reintegrated into the herd two days post-surgery. The case presented here is intended to demonstrate the technique of endoscopy-assisted ovariectomy. It also intends to argue that castrating cows is an effective means of keeping cows in the herd, even if they are no longer bred. This seems to be of increasing interest, especially for beef cattle farmers and hobby farmers.

Prevalence and clinical relevance of udder thigh dermatitis in dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE: Udder thigh dermatitis (UTD) is especially common in heifers. Skin alterations and necrosis of muscle tissue characterise this condition and, although the disease is well understood, systematic analysis concerning prevalence, risk factors and consequences of UTD is lacking. The aim of this study, therefore were such systematic clinical examinations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Statistical analyses of data were performed to objectively evaluate the supposed higher risk of heifers developing UTD. The study included a total of 317 animals that were examined and classified as UTD positive or negative on the day of calving. The size of skin alterations and the severity of tissue damage were assessed on days 7, 14 and 21 p. p. RESULTS: The overall prevalence resulted in 18 % UTD with a higher risk in heifers (36.8 %) than in cows (4.3 %; P < 0.0001). A significant link was found between the size of tissue lesions and severity of UTD (day 7: P = 0.007; day 14: P = 0.002; day 21: P = 0.011). Peripartal udder oedemas were strongly associated with UTD (P < 0.05). The milk yield and the concentration of milk protein was found to have decreased. CONCLUSION: UTD appears to be a multi-factorial disease that is supposed to be painful due to the obvious avoidant behaviour in affected animals. In respect to the reduction in daily milk yield and an enhancement of pain related stress, neither the economic impact of UTD, nor the adverse effects on animal welfare should be underestimated. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Heifers with udder oedema are advised to be examined for the presence of UTD in order to start an early treatment and diminish disease related negative impacts.

[Impact of umbilical disinfection on the calf's umbilical health - A critical review of the literature]. / Auswirkung einer Nabeldesinfektion auf die Nabelgesundheit beim Kalb.

OBJECTIVE: Umbilical inflammation in the calf represents a regularly occurring disease. The disinfection of the navel immediately after birth is therefore frequently recommended as a prophylactic measure. Within the frame of a literature search this study was to elucidate to what extent this recommendation is supported by scientific data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the scope of a literature research, only studies were considered in which the efficacy of navel disinfection was investigated with regard to the prevention of umbilical infections. A clinical database was required.Results A total of merely 6 studies were identified that examined the effect of umbilical disinfection as a prophylactic measure. Of these, only one investigation was able to display the presence of a preventive effect. CONCLUSION: All of the studies analyzed exhibited limitations in methodology. Based on this, no data is currently available clarifying whether navel disinfection in calves exerts a positive effect on umbilical health.

A systematic review on urolithiasis in small ruminants according to nutrition-dependent prevalence and outcome after surgery.

Background and Aim: Obstructive urolithiasis is a common disease in small ruminants with fatal outcomes if left untreated. Many methods have been established; however, long-term success rates remain unsatisfactory. Four bibliographic databases (PubMed, HeBis, Medline (OvidSP), and Web of Science) were searched to evaluate the prevalence of urolithiasis in small ruminants and long-term outcomes after surgery using a systematic review. The study aimed to give evidence-based data concerning prevalence and success rates after surgery. Materials and Methods: The analysis included 24 (total 239) peer-reviewed journal articles dealing with the prevalence of urolithiasis and 16 (total 39) concerning long-term outcomes after surgery. Literature was included if it referred to species, language, availability, and relevant statements to the specific questions, including the presence of control groups. Heterogeneity tests included Χ 2, I2, and τ2, respectively. A 95% confidence interval was determined, and effects were estimated using the fixed effect model. Due to a feeding-associated bias, prevalence analysis was conducted for a sorghum-based and a corn-based feeding resulting in a weighted prevalence of 62% and 17%, respectively. Analysis of long-term outcomes after surgical interventions revealed long-term success rates of 15-77% after ultrasonographic tube cystotomy and marsupialization of the urinary bladder, respectively. Results: The prevalence of urolithiasis is strongly associated with feeding and may be calculated as 17% in corn-based rations and 62% in sorghum-based rations. Surgical interventions result in guarded to moderate long-term success rates of 15-66%. Urethral stoma and marsupialization of the bladder provide acceptable long-term success rates with 71-77% but are rather salvage techniques than accepted surgical methods, especially when used in companion animals. Conclusion: The development of urolithiasis is mainly influenced by nutrition. Effective prophylaxis of this disease should, therefore, always include advisory service for the owners. Existing surgical techniques should be critically re-evaluated concerning their long-term success rates.

Benign mixed Müllerian (duct) vaginal tumor in a 12-y-old goat.

In human and veterinary medicine, mixed Müllerian tumors (MMTs) are rarely diagnosed neoplasms of the tubular female genital tract. Although there are case reports of malignant MMTs in various species, benign MMTs have only been described once in a macaque. Here we present a case of benign MMT in a 12-y-old goat, and review the literature on uterine, cervical, and vaginal neoplasia in goats. The doe was presented with vaginal discharge and was euthanized because of the high suspicion of intraabdominal neoplasia. On gross examination, an ulcerated vaginal mass was identified. Histologically, 2 distinct cell populations were present: smooth muscle cells that were well differentiated and positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin, and ciliated columnar epithelial cells that lined ductal structures and had no signs of malignancy. These findings led to the diagnosis of neoplasia of Müllerian origin. Benign MMT should be considered as a differential diagnosis for uterine and vaginal neoplasms in goats.

Comparative study of electrocardiographic parameters in calves born after eutocia versus dystocia.

Background and Aim: The mortality rate of perinatal calves is high, particularly in dystocia cases. Besides detectable conditions such as trauma or amniotic fluid aspiration, the potential salience of cardiological diseases in neonatal bovine deaths has received little attention. This study aimed to compare the electrocardiographic parameters of calves born under conditions of dystocia and eutocia. Materials and Methods: Electrocardiographic, clinical, and laboratory diagnostic examinations were performed during the first 5 days of life on 40 calves. Of them, 20 calves were born under conditions of dystocia and 20 of eutocia. Results: Electrocardiograms (ECGs) did not show detectable arrhythmias in all calves. Both groups exhibited tachycardia on their first ECGs. The QT and ST interval durations developed differently over time in both groups, suggesting that these may be related to conditions of birth. Conclusion: The electrocardiographic differences between calves born of dystocia and eutocia could be a factor in the increased mortality rate of calves born of dystocia.

Helcococcus ovis associated with septic arthritis and bursitis in calves - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis often occurs in young calves when the passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulins has failed, which results in hypogammaglobulinaemia in the calf. Another important cause is suboptimal herd health management which often leads to general health impairment and, subsequently, to septic arthritis. CASE PRESENTATION: A dairy farmer consulted the Herd Health Service of the University Clinic reporting general herd health impairment, a high incidence of respiratory diseases, unsatisfactory weight gain and arthritis in calves, as well as mastitis and high milk cell counts. Clinical examinations were performed, and diagnostic measures were taken. A transtracheal lavage (TTL) was performed, and synovial swab samples were taken from the carpal joint and the subcutaneous tarsal bursae of two calves. Microbiological examinations of synovial swabs revealed co-infections of Trueperella pyogenes and Helcococcus ovis in one calf and Helcococcus ovis in pure culture in the other. The TTLs confirmed the presence of Mycoplasma spp. associated with respiratory diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Helcococcus ovis is currently regarded as a co-infective bacterial agent. However, it seems to play a significant role as the primary pathogen in this case.

Distribution pattern of local immune cells within the lower urinary tract of male sheep lambs.

The local immunity of the lower urinary tract (LUT) is often presumed to influence the development of ascending infections and local inflammation. Due to small ruminants being at a higher risk of developing obstructive urolithiasis after early castration, a relationship is expected to exist between disturbed local immunity, castration and disease. However, the underlying pathophysiology and histological correlation of this assumption are unknown. This study examines the local cellular immunity of the LUT in male lambs with respect to castration status or a recent history of obstructive urolithiasis. Various tissue samples were taken and examined. The sample consisted of 34 male lambs, aged six months (n = 11 early and n = 11 late castration; n = 12 intact) and eight rams that had undergone necropsy due to fatal outcome after obstructive urolithiasis. Immunohistochemical stainings for CD3-T-cells, CD79α-B-cells and MAC 387-macrophages were performed and compared among the groups. Whereas no global group differences were evident, significant differences were found for the localizations (P = 0.002) with a significant interaction between group and localization (P = 0.004). The immunohistochemical results suggest that castration did not affect the cell number, but did have an effect on the distribution pattern of local T-cells within the urethra. In the urolithiasis cases, a reduction of CD3-positive cells along the middle part of the urethra was noticeable.

Association of bovine uterine involution disturbances with serum neuropeptide concentrations.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Puerperal diseases influence fertility and should be diagnosed as soon as possible. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of serum concentrations of substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and interleukin (IL)1ß in the early diagnosis of uterine involution disturbances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood serum samples of 86 dairy cows from six different farms were harvested within the first 20 days after calving from cows with uterine involution disturbances and healthy controls, respectively. Serum concentrations for SP, VIP, and IL-1ß were determined using commercially available ELISA test kits. Statistical analyses included timely changes in blood serum levels and group comparisons of healthy cows and cows with uterine disease. RESULTS: SP concentrations increased significantly within 20 days after calving (p<0.04) with no significant difference observed between the groups. Moreover, no significant differences were found between VIP and log IL-1ß. CONCLUSION: Results showed that none of the examined serum parameters seems suitable as indicator of uterine involution disorders. Due to the timely changes in serum concentrations of SP after calving, a correlation to diseases might not be precluded. Further research is needed as regards the establishment of normative values concerning this parameter.

Neuropeptides in the urinary tract of male sheep lambs.

Small ruminants are often presumed to be at a higher risk of developing obstructive urolithiasis after early castration. However, the underlying pathophysiology and histological correlation of this assumption is unknown. This study examines the neuropeptide distribution of the lower urinary tract in male lambs in respect to castration status or a recent history of obstructive urolithiasis. Various tissue samples were taken and examined. The sample consisted of 34 male lambs, aged six months (n = 11 early and n = 11 late castration; n = 12 intact), and 8 rams that had undergone necropsy due to fatal outcome after obstructive urolithiasis. Immunohistochemical stainings for substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and neurofilaments (NF) were performed and compared between the groups. A significant reduction in immunoreactive signals of SP, VIP and NF was evident in the urolithiasis group (SP and NF: P < 0.0001; VIP: P = 0.02). The results of immunohistochemistry suggest that castration had no effect on the content of neuropeptides, as well as the innervation density of the urethra in the male lambs. In the case of. obstructive urolithiasis, the pattern of neuropeptide distribution was severely disturbed and cell damage lead to a reduction in detectable periurethral bundles of nerve fibers. The severe tissue damage was assumed to have a negative impact on the outcome of treatment, leading to complications such as urethral strictures. These, in turn, often result in relapses.

An IL17RA frameshift variant in a Holstein cattle family with psoriasis-like skin alterations and immunodeficiency.

BACKGROUND: Skin lesions and dermatoses in cattle are often associated with infections due to bacteria, fungi or environmental risk factors. Dermatoses with genetic etiology have been described in cattle. Among these rare disorders, there are primary congenital dermatoses that are associated with inherited nutritional deficiencies, such as bovine hereditary zinc deficiency or zinc deficiency-like syndrome. This study presents three cases of Holstein cattle with congenital skin lesions observed on a single farm that resemble zinc deficiency-like syndrome. Close clinical and pathological examinations took place in two cases. Pedigree analysis indicated autosomal recessive inheritance and whole-genome sequencing of both affected calves was performed. RESULTS: The two calves showed retarded growth and suffered from severe ulcerative dermatitis with hyperkeratosis, alopecia furunculosis and subcutaneous abscess formation. Blood analysis showed correspondent leukocytosis with neutrophilia whereas minerals, macro- and micronutrients were within the reference ranges. Variant calling and filtering against the 1000 Bull Genomes variant catalogue resulted in the detection of a single homozygous protein-changing variant exclusively present in both sequenced genomes. This single-nucleotide deletion in exon 3 of IL17RA on bovine chromosome 5 was predicted to have a deleterious impact on the encoded protein due to a frameshift leading to a truncated gene product. Genotyping of the affected cattle family confirmed recessive inheritance. CONCLUSIONS: A loss-of-function mutation of the IL17RA transmembrane protein could be identified as most likely pathogenic variant for the psoriasis-like skin alterations observed in the two affected Holstein calves. In man, rare recessive diseases associated with IL17RA include immunodeficiency 51 and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. This supports the observed immunodeficiency of the presented cases. This study reports the first naturally occurring IL17RA-associated animal model.

Fertility following uterine torsion in dairy cows: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dairy cows with uterine torsion often are susceptible to reduced fertility resulting in more costs and effort to restore the economy of those cows. The aim of our study was to examine and evaluate the possible associations between uterine torsion and consequent uterine involution disturbances, on the one hand, and between the degree and duration of uterine torsion with fertility parameters, on the other hand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Within 1.5 years, 115 dairy cows (German Browns, German Holsteins, and German Fleckvieh) that were suffering from uterine torsion were examined to evaluate the incidence of involution disturbances of the uterus and to examine the fertility after calving. Statistical analysis included correlation analyses between the degree and duration of torsion and fertility parameters (days open, days to conception, conception rate and services per conception, and intercalving interval) as well as incidence of involution disturbances. RESULTS: The study revealed no statistically significant correlation between uterine involution and degree of uterine torsion. However, involution processes were significantly correlated to the time of the expulsion of the fetal membranes. Days to conception and intercalving intervals were significantly influenced by the presence of uterine torsion. CONCLUSION: Concerning fertility after uterine torsion, it was shown that reduced fertility is associated with the duration of uterine torsion (p=0.02) and time to drop of fetal membranes (p=0.02) but not with the degree of torsion (p=0.27).

A pilot study to assess the feasibility of endoscopic placement of a transurethral urinary balloon catheter in male sheep cadavers.

Surgery of obstructive urolithiasis in small ruminants is often unsatisfactory due to postoperative development of strictures. The present study aimed to establish an endoscopic technique for the placement of a transurethral urinary catheter into the bladder of rams. This catheter was used as a removable stent-like drainage. The procedure was performed in three sheep rams that were euthanized and placed for surgery in 45° Trendelenburg position. In one ram, cystotomy was performed via right paramedian laparotomy. A 3 mm flexible fiberscope was introduced into the urinary bladder and advanced via urethra to the tip of the penis. Placing a guide wire through the endoscopic working channel into the urethra enabled the retrograde insertion of a transurethral urinary catheter into the bladder. In two rams, retrograde insertion of a fiberscope was performed. Again, a guidewire was used to insert a balloon catheter into the bladder. Paramedian right laparotomy was performed to ascertain the correct position of the balloon. Both techniques, antero- and retrograde endoscopy, were possible and could be successfully performed. Mucous membranes and urinary microliths were easily observed. Repeated advancing of the endoscope or the catheter resulted in marked damage of the mucous membranes. The patency of the urethra may be restored by means of endoscopic placement of a transurethral catheter in male small ruminants. The applicability and clinical outcome of this procedure as well as the effects on stricture formation should be further examined with controlled clinical studies.

[Therapeutic options of obstructive urolithiasis in small ruminants]. / Therapeutische Möglichkeiten bei obstruktiver Urolithiasis des kleinen Wiederkäuers.

The diagnosis of obstructive urolithiasis in small ruminants frequently results in a multitude of decisions that have to be made by the consulted practitioner. Factors that influence the decision for therapy (or euthanasia) are the type of the animal's use, economic aspects and specific options of the veterinarian practice as well as emotional aspects depending on the owners of small ruminants kept as companion animals. The present article aims to present the currently available methods of therapy to facilitate a decision by the practicing veterinarian based on the present state of the science. Naturally, the individual method of choice may differ from the scientific point of view depending on the practitioner's evaluation.

Serum Levels of Neuropeptides in Cows with Left Abomasal Displacement.

Abomasal displacement (AD) to the left is a common disease in high-yielding dairy cows after parturition. In view of the previously reported changes in tissue neuropeptide concentrations in cows with AD, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of AD and breed on serum neuropeptide concentrations. For this purpose, blood samples of 33 German Holstein (GH) cows with AD, 36 healthy controls (GH), and 32 healthy German Fleckvieh (GF) cows were collected, and concentrations of substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and interleukin1ß (IL-1ß) were measured via commercially available ELISA kits. To examine the effect of AD, we compared GH cows with and without AD and observed no significant effects of AD on SP, VIP, or Il-1 ß concentrations. To evaluate the effect of breed, we compared healthy GH with healthy GF cows and detected markedly higher VIP serum levels in the healthy GF cows (p < 0.01). No significant differences in SP or IL-1ß were detected. According to our results, there seems to be no effect of AD on the serum concentrations of SP, VIP, or IL-1 ß. In contrast, there seems to be a breed difference concerning serum VIP concentrations.

Serum neuropeptide concentrations in cows with intrapartum uterine torsion.

Intrapartum uterine torsion is a common cause of dystocia in dairy cows. To clarify the pathophysiology of this disease, the aim of the present study was to examine serum neuropeptide and cytokine concentrations of cows with intrapartum uterine torsion. Blood samples of 20 cows with uterine torsion, 36 healthy controls, and 15 intrapartum cows without uterine torsion were obtained. Concentrations for substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) were quantified by using commercially available ELISA kits. Significant differences between groups were observed for SP in cows with uterine torsion and cows calving normally (P < 0.01). Markedly greater SP concentrations were observed in calving cows than in cows with uterine torsion. Compared with healthy controls, there were greater SP concentrations during parturition (P < 0.01). No significant group differences were detected for VIP concentrations. Global differences were observed in IL-1ß (P = 0.04). Large amounts of SP are released into the blood during parturition. Because SP is mainly present within the cervix and functions as a biomarker and mediator of pain, cows with uterine torsion are presumed to not experience as much pain as cows that are calving normally. Consistent with this, in cows with uterine torsion, there is a disturbance in the opening of the cervix, along with only mild signs of colic. Furthermore, significantly elevated IL-1ß concentrations correlate with the inflammation that occurs in cases of uterine torsion. Further research is needed to support these findings and clarify the clinical relevance.

[Ultrasonography of the lower urethra in male sheep lambs]. / Sonographische Darstellung der distalen Harnröhre beim männlichen Schaflamm.

In male small ruminants, voiding disturbances are not uncommon. A precise knowledge of the underlying disease is essential for prognostic evaluation as well as for a decision concerning the therapeutic approach. Common reasons for voiding disturbances in the male small ruminant are obstructive urolithiasis, traumata of the penis or inflammatory processes within the urethra or urinary bladder. The diagnostic method of choice - in addition to clinical examination - is diagnostic imaging. Because radiology is not always possible under field conditions, the aim of this article is a detailed presentation of ultrasonography of the distal urethra of the male lamb.