[Successful surgical excision of a melanoma and a rare peripheral nerve sheath tumor in 2 cattle]. / Erfolgreiche chirurgische Exzision eines Melanoms und eines seltenen peripheren Nervenscheidentumors bei 2 Rindern.

A heifer and a dairy cow were presented to our practice with cutaneous masses on the left side of their necks. Each mass had a diameter of approximately 20 cm. Both tumors had increased in size in recent weeks and were now prone to injuries from the stable equipment. Both animal owners agreed to surgical removal, which was performed under sedation and local anesthesia on a bovine treatment crush. The subsequent histopathological examinations of the extirpates revealed a melanocytoma in the young heifer and a cutaneous peripheral nerve sheath tumor (PNST) in the dairy cow. Both cases were benign tumors. The postoperative course was without complications and no recurrences were observed even more than a year later. No comparable tumors were found in related animals or in the offspring.

Investigation of preinguinal approach for removal of urachal abscess in three Japanese black cattle older than 18 months of age.

This study investigated the diagnostic and surgical management of urachal abscessation involving the urinary bladder in three cattle aged >18 months. While the abdominal floor or paralumbar fossa are typically considered for accessing the urachus and bladder in calves and heifers, the distance is too great to perform the procedure under direct vision in adult cows. Therefore, a novel preinguinal approach was used for access in cows with urachal abscesses after 18 months. Access was successfully achieved in all the three cows through a preinguinal incision to the urachal abscess at the apex of the bladder. However, in cases wherein the abscess and adhesions are severe, removal may be challenging or may necessitate a combined median or paramedian approach.

[Five case reports on granulosa cell tumors in cattle with practical information on diagnosis and possible progression]. / Fünf Fallberichte zum Granulosazelltumor beim Rind mit praktischen Hinweisen zur Diagnostik und zum möglichen Verlauf.

INTRODUCTION: Five cases of ovarian tumors (granulosa cell tumors) in cattle are presented from the patient load of the Vetsuisse University of Zurich and Bern. The aim of this work was to demonstrate the variable development of the illness and to indicate diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities to the practicing veterinarians. Case 1 shows bilateral appearance and the development of malignancy and metastases. The main symptoms in case 2 were the development of the mammary gland in a juvenile animal and the behavior modification due to a hormonal imbalance. The cases 3, 4 and 5 underwent surgery, case 4 restarted reproductive activity resulting in five subsequent pregnancies. The initial presumption is a result of a gynecological including ultrasonographic examination and can be verified by the analysis of Müllerian Inhibiting Hormone in serum. The decision to perform surgery should be done rapidly, as normal fertility can be achieved if the tumor is located unilaterally. Tumor growth and potential malignancy can provoke fatal health issues and also make it impossible to use meat of these animals for consumption.

INTRODUCTION: Cinq cas de tumeurs ovariennes (tumeurs des cellules de la granulosa) chez les bovins sont présentés à partir de la patientèle de l'Université Vetsuisse de Zurich et de Berne. Le but de ce travail était de montrer l'évolution variable de la maladie et d'indiquer les possibilités diagnostiques et thérapeutiques aux vétérinaires praticiens. Le cas 1 montre la possibilité d'une apparition bilatérale avec développement d'une tumeur maligne et de métastases. Les principaux symptômes du cas 2 étaient le développement de la glande mammaire chez un animal juvénile et la modification du comportement due à un déséquilibre hormonal. Les cas 3, 4 et 5 ont subi une intervention chirurgicale, le cas 4 a repris une activité de reproduction avec cinq gestations ultérieures. La présomption initiale résulte d'un examen gynécologique et peut être vérifiée par l'analyse de l'hormone anti-müllérienne dans le sérum. La décision d'opérer doit être prise rapidement, car une intervention chirurgicale pour enlever l'ovaire atteint peut, dans l'idéal, permettre une reprise de l'activité de reproduction. La croissance de la tumeur et la malignité potentielle peuvent provoquer des problèmes de santé fatals et rendre la viande de ces animaux impropre à la consommation.

Medical and Surgical Management of Conditions of the Penis and Prepuce.

The inability of a bull to reproduce due to its inability to impregnant fertile cows is called impotentia generandi. This infertility may be due to the inability to achieve erection, the inability to complete coitus, or the inability to produce an adequate volume of morphologically normal spermatozoa. Therapies targeting the urogenital tract of the bull can restore reproductive capabilities. Veterinarians can provide consultation regarding both management and selection criteria that will, in some cases, lower the overall risk of loss associated with the development of some conditions of the penis and prepuce.

Small intestinal strangulation in 60 cattle - clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings, treatment and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal strangulation is constriction of the intestine by a band of tissue, ligament or blood vessel causing partial or complete intestinal obstruction. This retrospective study describes the clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings, treatment and outcome of 60 cows with intestinal strangulation. RESULTS: The general condition was abnormal in all cows (60/60), 23.3% (14/60) had nonspecific signs of pain, 40.0% (24/60) had signs of colic and 48.3% (29/60) had signs of somatic (parietal) pain. The most common digestive tract abnormalities were, in decreasing frequency, reduced or absent intestinal motility (100%, 60/60), reduced or absent faecal output (98.3%, 59/60), reduced or absent rumen motility (93.4%, 56/60), dilated small intestines on transrectal palpation (63.3%, 38/60), positive ballottement and swinging auscultation (BSA) and/or percussion and simultaneous auscultation (PSA) on the right side of the abdomen (58.3%, 35/60) and at least one positive foreign body test, most commonly the back grip, in 33.9% (20/59) of the cows. Other common findings were reduced skin surface temperature (67.8%, 40/59), reduced skin turgor (51.7%, 31/60), prolonged capillary refill time (49.2%, 29/59), enophthalmus (48.3%, 29/60) and moderate to severe scleral injection (46.6%, 27/58). The most common laboratory findings were hypokalaemia (58.3%, 35/60), haemoconcentration (57.6%, 34/59), base excess (51.1%, 24/47), hyperproteinaemia (45.8%, 27/59), hyperbilirubinaemia (43.3%, 26/60), acidosis (42.6%, 20/47) and azotaemia (38.3%, 23/60). The principal ultrasonographic findings were subjectively reduced or absent small intestinal motility and dilated small intestines, but the strangulation could not be visualised by ultrasonography. With one exception, all cows underwent a right flank laparotomy to resolve the strangulation by transection or resection of the impinging tissue. Forty-nine (81.7%) cows were discharged and 11 (18.3%) were euthanized before, during or after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Without laparotomy, intestinal strangulation could be clinically (transrectally) diagnosed in only 10% of the cows. A laparotomy is therefore essential for the correct diagnosis. The prognosis is good with prompt surgical treatment.

Cardiovascular changes, laboratory findings and pain scores in calves undergoing ultrasonography-guided bilateral rectus sheath block before herniorrhaphy: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to assess the clinical utility of a multiparametric approach to measure the impact of bilateral ultrasound-guided rectus sheath blocks (RSB) on heart rate, serum cortisol concentrations, and pain in calves undergoing herniorraphy. Fourteen calves were randomly assigned to receive either the RSB (RSB group, n = 7, injected with 0.3 mL/kg of bupivacaine 0.25% and 0.15 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine per side) or a sham injection (CG group, n = 7, injected with an equivalent volume of sterile saline solution). Monitoring included (i) continuous Holter recording from 120 min pre-surgery to 120 min post-surgery; (ii) serum cortisol concentration (SC) at -150 min pre-surgery (baseline), induction time, skin incision, end of surgical procedure (EP-t), and then 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 120 min, 360 min after recovery; (iii) UNESP-Botucatu pain evaluation at -150 min pre-surgery and 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 120 min, 240 min, 360 min after recovery. RESULTS: A significant difference in the heart rate was observed within the RSB group, in the time frame between 120 min to induction compared to the time frame between induction to EP-t period. The SC concentration was significantly higher in the CG at the skin incision. Calves in the RSB group recorded significantly lower pain scores at 45 min, 60 min, 120 and 240 min after recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that monitoring heart rate and serum cortisol concentrations effectively quantified the effects of RSB during surgery. At the same time, the UNESP-Botucatu pain scale identified effects post-surgery when the calves regained consciousness. Overall, ultrasound-guided RSB appeared to enhance the well-being of calves undergoing herniorrhaphy.

Surgical management of a dermoid cyst with mandibular gland tissue in a Japanese Black calf.

A 131-day-old male Japanese Black calf presented with a swollen right cheek from birth. Imaging examination revealed a cyst under the right buccal area and debris-containing fluid inside the cyst, and puncture aspiration revealed a mildly cloudy fluid containing hair and tissue fragments. Histological examination of the excised cyst revealed stratified squamous epithelium with skin appendages in the cyst wall, which was diagnosed as a dermoid cyst. In addition, some submandibular gland tissue was found within the cyst wall. After removal of the cyst, there was swelling in the same area, which resolved with steroid administration. Surgical treatment of buccal dermoid cysts should be performed with caution to avoid damage to adjacent salivary gland tissue.

Dilated small and large intestines combined with a severely abnormal demeanor are characteristic of mesenteric torsion in cattle.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic findings; treatment; and outcome of cattle with mesenteric torsion (MT). ANIMALS: 61 cattle with MT between November 1, 1986, and December 31, 2019. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Results were compared for cattle that survived versus did not survive to hospital discharge. RESULTS: All cattle had abnormal demeanor. The most common clinical signs were tachycardia (80.3% [49/61]), tachypnea (65.0% [39/60]), and lower rectal temperature (59.3% [35/59]). Signs of colic occurred in 65.6% (40/61). The most common gastrointestinal findings were an empty or almost empty rectum (100% [59/59]), reduced or absent motility of the small intestines (96.6% [57/59]) or rumen (93.2% [55/59]), positive ballottement and/or percussion and simultaneous auscultation on the right side (91.7% [55/60]), and dilated small (49.2% [29/59]) and large intestines (spiral colon and/or cecum, 44.1% [26/59]) detected during transrectal examination. The most common laboratory findings were acidosis (82.6%, [38/46]) hypermagnesemia (74.5% [35/47]). Ultrasonographic findings included reduced or absent small intestinal motility (86.7% [26/30]) and dilated small intestines (83.8% [31/37]). The spiral colon was dilated in 32.4% (12/37) of the cattle. Eighty-two percent (50/61) of the cattle underwent right flank laparotomy and the MT could be reduced in 34.4% (21/61). Twenty-three percent (14/61) of the cattle survived to hospital discharge, and 77.0% (47/61) were euthanized before hospital discharge. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dilated small and large intestines (spiral colon, cecum) combined with a severely abnormal demeanor and tachycardia are characteristic findings in cows with MT. Immediate surgical treatment is paramount.

Wound inflammation post-orchiectomy affects the social dynamic of Nelore bulls.

BACKGROUND: Confinement of cattle imposes spatial restrictions and predisposes to aversive social encounters that can lead to contusions, wounds, pain, stress, fright, and reduced productivity. Although endogenous testosterone concentrations are linked to agonistic dominance behaviors in males, it is unknown whether decreased blood testosterone concentrations after castration alter social hierarchy rank in Nelore bulls. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the impact of the surgical would inflammation post-orchiectomy on social dynamics in a group of Nelore bulls (Bos indicus). Fourteen Nelore (Bos indicus) bulls were castrated and assessed pre- and post-surgically. Parameters evaluated were agonistic (mounting, headbutting, and fighting) and affiliative (head-play) behavior, plasma testosterone concentrations, average daily weight gain (ADG), and a score for severity of post-surgical infection. Exploratory statistics included social network analysis (SNA), hierarchy rank delta (Δ), and principal component analysis (PCA). Furthermore, statistical inferences included the Wilcoxon test, multiple logistic regression models, and Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: The social dynamic of Nelore bulls was modified after castration based on the findings of the SNA and the PCA. The moderate correlation between the postoperative inflammation level with the Δ, and the significant effect of this level in the logistic model post-castration were partially attributed to effects of pain on social relations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest the severity of post-surgical inflammation, which has an association with pain intensity, was closely associated with changes in the social hierarchy.

One-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy versus omentopexy via right flank laparotomy to treat left displaced abomasum in dairy cows, in relation to return of milk yield.

This study compared two surgical techniques for treating left displaced abomasum (LDA) in dairy cows. The two techniques were compared in terms of milk production at different time intervals: before surgery; on the day of the surgery; and at 8, 15 and 30 days after surgery. The surgical techniques used in this study were laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy and right flank laparotomy omentopexy. A total of 126 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows with LDA were included, 63 of which were treated with laparoscopy, and 63 with right flank laparotomy. Cows with retained foetal membranes, metritis or natural delivery (dystocia) were included and registered on field sheets for subsequent statistical analysis. Cows with clinical mastitis were excluded. A blood sample (5 mL) was obtained from the medial coccygeal vein and analyzed for total proteins, total bilirubin, total calcium, glucose, b-hydroxybutyrate, sodium, potassium, and chloride. No differences were found between the two groups of operated cows with respect to the number of lactation days, body condition score (BCS), rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate before surgery. No differences were observed between groups regarding the biochemical parameters (P > 0.05) analyzed, except for chloride, which presented lower average values in the omentopexy group (P <0.05). Return of milk yield within the study period did not differ significantly between the laparoscopy and laparotomy groups (P > 0.05), although a significant change in post-surgery time was observed. .

Histological observations on aural fibrosarcoma in a Holstein cow.

Fibrosarcomas occur as a mesenchymal tumour of malignant fibroblasts in a collagen background and are usually found in the female genital organs and rarely involve the skin. A 5-year-old female Holstein cow with a raised mass at the base of right ear was referred. On gross examination, the mass was approximately 13.00 × 10.00 × 7.00 cm in size. Finally, complete surgical removal was selected. The mass was encapsulated and the dermis was expanded by spindle-shaped to polygonal neoplastic cells. These cells were arranged in interwoven pattern. Mitotic figures were infrequent. Masson's trichrome demonstrated the positive and blue staining of collagen. Immunohistochemically, the sections were uniformly positive for Vimentin and negative for Desmin, SMA and GFAP. A well-differentiated fibrosarcoma was diagnosed based on histopathological features. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for this neoplasm. In the present case, surgery was also performed successfully and no new growth of the mass was observed 4 months following the surgical procedures. To our knowledge, this is the first report of well-differentiated fibrosarcoma in a Holstein cow.

A retrospective analysis for criteria of surgical intervention in Japanese Black calves with respiratory signs caused by perinatal rib fracture.

Medical records of 16 Japanese Black calves with respiratory signs associated with perinatal rib fracture were analyzed, retrospectively, to speculate criteria of surgical intervention for the disease. For this analysis, the severity of respiratory condition was classified into three grades: Grade 1, with no wheezing, Grade 2, with wheezing after excitement but not at rest and Grade 3, with wheezing at rest. Grade 1 (n=3) received only conservative management. Seven of Grade 2 (n=8) and all of Grade 3 (n=5) had surgical management. Clinical outcome was good in all of Grade 1, and the surgical success rate was 83% in other groups. Our result suggests that surgical intervention should be considered for cases with more the severity of Grade 2.

Diagnosis and treatment of traumatic reticulitis associated with abomasal obstruction in beef cattle during late pregnancy: A case report.

Background: Traumatic reticulitis (TR) and abomasal obstruction are common digestive diseases in beef cattle. In clinical practice, these two conditions are often detected alone and rarely occur at the same time. Surgical therapy is an effective approach to treat both of these diseases. However, there are no reports on the treatment of abomasal obstruction in cattle induced by TR. Case Description: We here report a rare case of the diagnosis and treatment of TR associated with abomasal obstruction in a beef cow during late pregnancy. The affected cattle had an iron wire that was piercing the wall of the reticulum, but did not penetrate the wall; the abomasum was blocked and appeared solid; and the fetus survived well in utero (268 days gestation). To save the lives of the cow and fetus on the same day, a cesarean section was first performed, followed by rumenotomy, the foreign body (wire) was removed, and abomasotomy was finally performed. The fetus removed by cesarean section grew well, and the beef cow recovered and successfully became pregnant again. Conclusion: This case thus offers guidance for the timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and postoperative management of these digestive diseases in cattle to prevent progression and further complications.

[Cutaneous neoplasia in cattle - diagnosis, treatment and follow up in 7 cases]. / Kutane Zubildungen beim Rind ­ Diagnose, Therapie und Verlaufskontrolle in 7 Fällen.

In two calves and five cows of various ages, cutaneous masses were detected. Initially, neoplasia was suspected. All masses were removed under local anesthesia, in some cases with additional sedation. Pathohistological examination was conducted subsequently. Benign neoplasia was diagnosed in 5 of the cases. In the 2 remaining cases, histopathology revealed non-neoplastic soft tissue proliferation and pyogranulomatous inflammation. All patients recovered well from surgery and continued to be profitable for 3 to 57 months.

[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.

Eye enucleation and exenteration in -cattle: a retrospective study of 38 cases (2013-2020).

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to describe clinical indications for eye enucleation and exenteration, the occurrence of complications and long-term outcome in cattle, and examine owners' attitude towards enucleation and exenteration and their satisfaction with the surgical outcome. Medical records from the two veterinary teaching hospitals in Switzerland were reviewed to identify cattle that underwent unilateral enucleation or exenteration between January 2013 and December 2020. Data extracted included medical history, ocular examination, clinical diagnosis, surgical procedure including anesthesia, suture material and pattern used, complications, and treatment thereof. Long-term follow-up was evaluated via national animal database inquiries to determine survival time and via owners' interviews with the use of a standardized questionnaire that included questions regarding the occurrence of complications and reason for culling, production performances and perceived quality of life after surgery, concerns, factors affecting the decision to proceed with surgery, and general satisfaction with the outcome. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact tests and unpaired t-test were used to summarize the data and assess association between variables. Association was considered significant if p < 0,05. Thirty-eight cases were identified, with a median age of 5 years. More than half of the cases (55,3 %) were diagnosed with non-neoplastic ocular lesions represented by severe trauma with loss of globe content, globe rupture with history of infectious keratoconjunctivitis or hypopyon, or congenital malformations. The remaining cases were diagnosed with neoplastic lesions, including ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), melanoma, or sarcoma. Complications following surgery were reported in 29 % of cases and included postoperative infection and recurrence of OSCC. There was no significant association between ocular diagnosis and the occurrence of postoperative complications or survival time. Surgery did not seem to influence the animals' postoperative production performance or the perceived quality of life. Most owners (92 %) were satisfied with the surgical outcome. The occurrence of postoperative complications leading to increased overall costs and culling was the main reason for lower owner satisfaction.

INTRODUCTION: La présente étude vise à décrire les indications cliniques de l'énucléation et de l'exentération de l'œil, la survenue de complications et le résultat à long terme chez les bovins et à examiner l'attitude des propriétaires vis-à-vis de l'énucléation et de l'exentération et leur satisfaction quant au résultat chirurgical. Les dossiers médicaux des deux hôpitaux universitaires vétérinaires de Suisse ont été examinés pour identifier les bovins qui ont subi une énucléation ou une exentération unilatérale entre janvier 2013 et décembre 2020. Les données extraites comprenaient les antécédents médicaux, l'examen oculaire, le diagnostic clinique, la procédure chirurgicale y compris l'anesthésie, le matériel et le patron de suture utilisés, les complications et leur traitement. Le suivi à long terme a été évalué en utilisant la base de données nationale sur les animaux afin de déterminer la durée de survie, et par d'entretiens avec les propriétaires à l'aide d'un questionnaire standardisé qui comprenait des questions concernant l'apparition de complications et la raison de la réforme, les performances de production et la qualité de vie perçue après la chirurgie, les réserves, les facteurs affectant la décision de procéder à la chirurgie et la satisfaction générale du résultat. Les données ont été résumées à l'aide de statistiques descriptives et les différences éventuelles entre les variables ont été analysées à l'aide de tests exacts de Fisher et de tests t non appariés. L'association a été considérée comme significative si p < 0,05. Trente-huit cas ont été identifiés, avec un âge médian de 5 ans. Plus de la moitié des cas (55,3 %) ont été diagnostiqués avec des lésions oculaires non néoplasiques causées par un traumatisme grave avec perte du contenu du globe, une rupture du globe avec des antécédents de kératoconjonctivite infectieuse ou d'hypopion ou des malformations congénitales. Les autres cas ont été diagnostiqués comme des lésions néoplasiques, notamment carcinome épidermoïde oculaire, mélanome ou sarcome. Des complications après l'opération ont été signalées dans 29 % des cas, notamment infection postopératoire et récidive du carcinome épidermoïde oculaire. Il n'y avait pas d'association significative entre le diagnostic et l'apparition de complications postopératoires ou la durée de survie. L'intervention chirurgicale n'a pas semblé influencer les performances de production postopératoires des animaux ni la qualité de vie perçue. La plupart des propriétaires (92 %) étaient satisfaits du résultat de la chirurgie. L'apparition de complications postopératoires entraînant une augmentation des coûts globaux et l'abattage des animaux était la principale raison de la baisse de satisfaction des propriétaires.

Usefulness of computed tomography for cryptorchidism in bulls.

Cryptorchidism is defined as the failure of the testis to descend into the scrotal position. Bulls with cryptorchidism have problems in both meat quality and husbandry management; thus, it is greatly important to accurately identify the retained testis and remove it during the early stage. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed under general anesthesia in 34 bulls aged 3-9 months with cryptorchidism. All bulls underwent laparoscopic or incision approach for cryptorchidectomy, and 40 testes were dissected. The detection rates of retained testes were 64.5% in the abdominal cavity and 100% in the subcutaneous inguinal region, and the total detection rate was 72.5%. Furthermore, all cases in this study were suspected to have intra-abdominal cryptorchidism in primary care, but CT revealed that 22.5% of cases had cryptorchidism in the subcutaneous inguinal region. The CT value (mean ± standard deviation) of the retained testes was 20.96 ± 7.54 Hounsfield Unit, and the CT value and size of the retained testes showed a positive weak correlation with bovine age. Therefore, there is the demerit that general anesthesia and a huge device are necessary; nevertheless, CT is suggested to be useful in identifying the location of retained testes and selecting an appropriate surgical approach in bulls with cryptorchidism. Moreover, CT findings suggested that the maturation of the retained testes might depend not on the descending process but on age.

[Mandibular fractures in cattle - a review of 108 cases]. / Unterkieferfrakturen beim Rind ­ eine retrospektive Untersuchung von 108 Fällen.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular fractures are among the most common fractures in cattle. The medical records of 108 cattle with a mandibular fracture, that were referred to the University of Zurich Veterinary Hospital from 2005 to 2019, were analysed to document the types of treatment, complications and long-term outcomes. Cattle, still alive at the time of retrospective analysis, underwent clinical and radiographic examinations. A fall was the single most common cause of a mandibular fracture (48,1 %), and a third of all cattle had a concomitant disease at the time of referral. Seventy-five cattle (69,4 %) had a single fracture, 26 (24,1 %) had two fractures and seven (6,5 %) had three fractures of the mandible. The molar part of the mandibular body was most commonly (40,7 %) fractured followed by the diastema (23,6 %), the pars incisiva (13,4 %), the ramus (12,1 %) and the symphysis (10,2 %) of the mandible. The majority of cattle (84/108, 77,8 %) had open fractures. Treatment was instituted in 63/108 animals (58,3 %) with 77/148 fractures. Of these fractures, 28 were treated with plate osteosynthesis, 25 with an external fixator, 8 with cerclage wire, 7 using mixed techniques, 4 with fragment excision, 4 underwent conservative treatment and one a mucosal suture. In total, 45/108 animals (41,7 %) were culled because of multiple fractures, concomitant diseases and because of economic reasons. Complications occurred in 34 (54,0 %) treated cattle; 22 had abnormal wound healing of which 18 developed osteomyelitis complicated by a sequestrum (14). Of the treated 63 cattle, 56 (88,9 %) were discharged. The mean postoperative productive life was 46 ± 29,2 months for animals that were deceased at the time of the study. Thirteen of the cattle with a sequestrum remained in the herd for 15 to 92 months (mean, 47 months) and one for 2 months. The life expectancy after treatment did not differ significantly from that of the Brown Swiss and Swiss Holstein dairy cattle populations, where the cattle of this study mainly came from. Eleven cattle were available for long-term follow-up; all had a good general health status but nine had dental abnormalities including missing teeth, steps or enamel points, which did not noticeably affect the body condition of the animals. Surgical treatment of selected mandibular fractures had a favourable prognosis (52/63 healed, 82,5 %) in cattle.

INTRODUCTION: Les fractures mandibulaires font partie des fractures les plus fréquentes chez les bovins. Les dossiers médicaux de 108 bovins présentant une fracture mandibulaire, référés à l'hôpital vétérinaire de l'Université de Zurich entre 2005 et 2019, ont été analysés afin de documenter les types de traitement, les complications et les résultats à long terme. Les bovins, encore vivants au moment de l'analyse rétrospective, ont subi des examens cliniques et radiographiques. Une chute était la cause la plus fréquente d'une fracture mandibulaire (48,1 %), et un tiers des bovins présentaient une maladie concomitante au moment de la consultation. Septante-cinq bovins (69,4 %) avaient une seule fracture, 26 (24,1 %) avaient deux fractures et sept (6,5 %) avaient trois fractures de la mandibule. La partie molaire du corps mandibulaire était le plus souvent (40,7 %) fracturée, suivie du diastème (23,6 %), de la pars incisiva (13,4 %), du ramus (12,1 %) et de la symphyse (10,2 %) de la mandibule. La majorité des bovins (84/108, 77,8 %) présentaient des fractures ouvertes. Un traitement a été institué chez 63/108 animaux (58,3 %) avec 77/148 fractures. Parmi ces fractures, 28 ont été traitées par une ostéosynthèse par plaque, 25 par un fixateur externe, 8 par cerclage, 7 par des techniques mixtes, 4 par une excision du fragment, 4 par un traitement conservateur et une par une suture muqueuse. Au total, 45/108 animaux (41,7 %) ont été abattus en raison de fractures multiples, de maladies concomitantes et pour des raisons économiques. Des complications sont survenues chez 34 (54,0 %) des bovins traités ; 22 ont présenté une cicatrisation anormale dont 18 ont développé une ostéomyélite compliquée par un séquestre (14). Sur les 63 bovins traités, 56 (88,9 %) sont sortis de clinique. La vie productive postopératoire moyenne était de 46 ± 29,2 mois pour les animaux qui étaient décédés au moment de l'étude. Treize des bovins avec un séquestre sont restés dans le troupeau pendant 15 à 92 mois (moyenne, 47 mois) et un pendant 2 mois. L'espérance de vie après traitement ne différait pas significativement de celle des populations de vaches laitières Brown Swiss et Swiss Holstein d'où provenaient principalement les bovins de cette étude. Onze bovins étaient disponibles pour un suivi à long terme ; tous avaient un bon état de santé général mais neuf présentaient des anomalies dentaires, notamment des dents manquantes, des différences de niveau de la table dentaire ou des pointes d'émail, ce qui n'a pas affecté de manière notable l'état corporel des animaux. Le traitement chirurgical de certaines fractures mandibulaires a donc eu un pronostic favorable (52/63 guéries, 82,5 %) chez les bovins.

Economic loss due to treatment of bovine respiratory disease in Japanese Black calves arriving at a backgrounding operation in Miyazaki.

The present study assessed the economic loss due to treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in Japanese Black calves that were introduced to a backgrounding operation from the age of 3 to 4 months until the age of 10 months. The data collected from a backgrounding operation in Miyazaki, Japan included the records of 2,690 animals entering the farm from 2013 to 2018. The treatment duration was defined as the number of days from the beginning to end of treatment. The cost of treatment was defined as the total cost of treatment during the treatment duration. The average incidence of BRD was 54.6%, and the relative frequency of calves that had BRD once, twice, and three or more times until they left the farm was 64.4%, 26.8%, and 8.8%, respectively (total recorded diagnoses of BRD: 2,494). Among the 2,494 recorded diagnoses, the average and median duration of treatment of BRD was 5.9 days and 3.0 days, respectively. The average and median cost of treatment was 7,767 and 5,600 Japanese yen, respectively. A prolonged duration of treatment and high cost of treatment were associated with BRD relapse, steers, and early stage of production (P<0.05). At the studied farm, the total cost of treatment during the 6-year study period was 19,658,988 yen, and the annual cost was approximately 3 million yen. In summary, the present study showed that BRD had a large economic impact in this backgrounding operation.

Comparative evaluation of different techniques for herniorrhaphy in calves.

Umbilical hernia is one of the most common problems in young calves. This problem occurs in dairy sector as well as in the local farmers. Present study was conducted to compare outcomes of four different techniques of herniorrhaphy. Twenty four young calves (n=24) were divided in 4 groups (A, B, C, and D) which underwent four different surgical techniques. Group A underwent vicryl plus suture material and pants-over-west technique, Group B underwent mesh application with Dexon suture material by using simple interrupted suture pattern, Group C underwent closed method with Nylon No. 3 suture material by using vertical mattress suture pattern and Group D underwent clamp application method with Silk No. 2 suture material by using simple interrupted suture pattern. The result showed that mesh application method was comparatively better with respect to feed intake, body weight gain and healing time. There was no reoccurrence with non-significant hematological changes (p≤0.05). It is concluded that mesh application method is safer than other three techniques and there are no systemic effects of this surgical intervention on calves' health.