Pain Assessment in Cattle by Use of Numerical Rating and Visual Analogue Scales-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Subjective pain assessment in cattle is contingent upon the observer's experience and attitude. Studies of pain assessment in cattle by veterinarians and farmers using different pain scales have been published. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to describe and compare the pain scores given by veterinarians and producers for different procedures and conditions using either a NRS or VAS. The literature search was conducted with PubMed (MEDLINE) and Agricola, using defined search terms (e.g., peer-reviewed). A total of 842 articles were identified. After screening of duplicates, abstracts, and full texts, a total of 16 articles were included in this systematic review. Different pain scales were used for the included studies (NRS 0-10 for eight studies, NRS 1-10 for six studies, NRS 1-10 and VAS 0-10 for one study, and VAS 0-1 for one study). Most studies (n = 11) originated from the European Union. Mean values for pain scores differed significantly between studies included in the meta-analysis for both NRS 0-10 and 1-10. The findings of this study indicated that comparison of pain scoring used in different studies is difficult due to use of different pain scales and varying nomenclature, and that many variables (such as age and gender) influence pain scoring.

Hock Lesions in Dairy Cows in Cubicle Housing Systems in Germany: Prevalence and Risk Factors.

Hock lesions in dairy cows are an important indicator of animal welfare, in particular housing conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hock lesions in dairy cows kept in cubicle housing systems in three structurally different regions of Germany and to derive recommendations from risk factor analyses. Lactating and dry cows kept in cubicle housing systems were assessed for hock lesions (north: 206 farms with 20,792 cows; south: 156 farms with 8050 cows; east: 192 farms with 37,839 cows). Risk factor analyses were conducted using multi-factorial logistic regression models. The median prevalence of hock lesions (hairless patches, wounds, and/or swelling) at farm level was 79.8% (SD: 25.0; north), 66.2% (SD: 31.0; south), and 78.5% (SD: 26.3; east). The mean prevalence of severe hock lesions (wounds and/or swelling) at farm level was 12.5% (SD: 11.3; north), 8.0% (SD: 13.5; south), and 14.4% (SD: 17.9; east). Cows kept in pens with rubber mats or mattresses (with or without a small amount of litter) had a particularly higher chance of hock lesions compared with cows kept in pens with deep-bedded cubicles (OR: north: 3.1 [2.3-4.2]; south: 8.7 [5.9-13.0], east: 2.0 [1.7-2.4]). The study showed that hock lesions are a widespread problem on German dairy farms with cubicle housing systems. Deep-bedded cubicles are likely to reduce hock lesions and increase cows' comfort.

Associations of cow and farm characteristics with cow-level lameness using data from an extensive cross-sectional study across 3 structurally different dairy regions in Germany.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations between milk recording data, body condition score (BCS), housing factors, management factors, and lameness in freestall-housed dairy cows in 3 structurally different regions in Germany. These regions substantially vary regarding herd size, breeds, access to pasture, farm management (family run or company owned), and percentage of organic farms. The data used was collected in a large cross-sectional study from 2016 to 2019. A total of 58,144 cows from 651 farms in 3 regions of Germany (North, East, and South) was scored for locomotion and body condition. Additionally, data on milk yield, milk composition, breed, age, as well as information on housing and management were retrieved. One mixed-logistic regression model was fitted per region to evaluate the association of the data with the target variable "lame" and to allow for a comprehensive reflection across different kinds of farming types. In all regions, undercondition (BCS lower than recommended for the lactation stage; North: odds ratio [OR] 2.15, CI 1.96-2.34; East: OR 2.66, CI 2.45-2.88; South: OR 2.45, CI 2.01-2.98) and mid-lactation stage (102-204 d in milk; North: OR 1.15, CI 1.05-1.27; East: OR 1.24, CI 1.17-1.32; South: OR 1.38, CI 1.18-1.62) were associated with higher odds for lameness, whereas overcondition (BCS higher than recommended for the lactation stage; North: OR 0.51, CI 0.44-0.60; East: OR 0.51, CI 0.48-0.54; South: OR 0.65, CI 0.54-0.77) and parity of 1 or 2 was associated with lower odds (parity 1 = North: OR 0.32, CI 0.29-0.35; East: OR 0.19, CI 0.18-0.20; South: OR 0.28, CI 0.24-0.33; parity 2 = North: OR 0.51, CI 0.47-0.46; East: OR 0.41, CI 0.39-0.44; South: OR 0.49, CI 0.42-0.57), irrespective of the regional production characteristics. Low energy-corrected milk yield was associated with higher odds for lameness in South and North (North: OR 1.16, CI 1.05-1.27; South: OR 1.43, CI 1.22-1.69). Further factors such as pasture access for cows (North: OR 0.64, CI 0.50-0.82; and South: OR 0.65, CI 0.47-0.88), milk protein content (high milk protein content = North: OR 1.34, CI 1.18-1.52; East: OR 1.17, CI 1.08-1.28; low milk protein content = North: OR 0.79, CI 0.71-0.88; East: OR 0.84, CI 0.79-0.90), and breed (lower odds for "other" [other breeds than German Simmental and German Holstein] in East [OR 0.47, CI 0.42-0.53] and lower odds both for German Holstein and "other" in South [German Holstein: OR 0.62, CI 0.43-0.90; other: OR 0.46, CI 0.34 - 0.62]) were associated with lameness in 2 regions, respectively. The risk of ketosis (higher odds in North: OR 1.11, CI 1.01-1.22) and somatic cell count (higher odds in East: increased (>39.9 cells × 1,000/mL): OR 1.10; CI 1.03-1.17; high (>198.5 cells × 1,000/mL): OR 1.08; CI 1.01-1.06) altered the odds for lameness in 1 region, respectively. Cows from organic farms had lower odds for lameness in all 3 regions (North: OR 0.18, CI 0.11-0.32; East: OR 0.39, CI 0.28-0.56; South: OR 0.45, CI 0.29-0.68). As the dairy production systems differed substantially between the different regions, the results of this study can be viewed as representative for a wide variety of loose-housed dairy systems in Europe and North America. The consistent association between low BCS and lameness in all regions aligns with the previous literature. Our study also suggests that risk factors for lameness can differ between geographically regions, potentially due to differences in which dairy production system is predominantly used and that region-specific characteristics should be taken into account in comparable future projects.

Retrospective Evaluation of Method of Treatment, Laboratory Findings, and Concurrent Diseases in Dairy Cattle Diagnosed with Left Displacement of the Abomasum during Time of Hospitalization.

Left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) is a disease often diagnosed in high-producing dairy cattle, resulting in direct and in indirect costs for the farmer, and discomfort and death for the cows. For the present retrospective study, the aims were to assess the effect of treatment on recovery during the time of hospitalization of the cows, to investigate the influence of concurrent diseases on the recovery, and to identify prognostic indicators in laboratory findings. Metritis/endometritis (38.4% of cows) was the concurrent disease diagnosed most often. Conservative treatment (abomasal rolling) was performed successfully in 92.8% of cows; the recurrence rate was 56.7%. Neither treatment with an oral drench nor treatment with analgesics had any influence on the recurrence of LDA following abomasal rolling during hospitalization. Endoscopic abomasopexy as described by Janowitz was performed more often than right flank laparotomy (40.8% and 40.2%, respectively). A significantly (p < 0.01) higher number of cows had the outcome "recovery" compared with "death". The results of this study show that the outcome after surgery for LDA under clinical conditions does not depend on the method of surgery. Moreover, cows with LDA often suffer from concurrent diseases. If conservative treatment is decided on, farmers should be informed that there is a high recurrence rate, and other treatment options should be discussed.

Prevalence of and factors associated with swellings of the ribs in tie stall housed dairy cows in Germany.

Swellings of the ribs result from severe injury and affected animals are subjected to considerable and prolonged pain and suffering. The knowledge on rib swellings in dairy cows has yet been very limited. Therefore, the present study aimed at determining the prevalence of rib swellings in tie stall housed dairy cows in Germany as well as at identifying associated factors. Mean animal-level prevalence of rib swellings for 2,134 cows was 7.54% with a mean of 7.00% on farm level (range 0.00% - 37.49%). Multivariable mixed logistic regression models including nested random effects were built and factors associated with swellings of the ribs were evaluated for 1,740 dairy cows on 96 farms in Germany. Out of the initial 22 predictors, 8 factors were selected for the final model. Managing dairy cows on a part-time basis (OR 0.49 [CI 0.25-0.98]) appeared to decrease the odds for rib swellings compared with full-time farming. Cattle breeds other than Simmental entailed lower odds for rib swellings (OR 0.29 [CI 0.14-0.59]). Lame cows (OR 2.59 [CI 1.71-3.93]) and cows with wounds and/or swellings of the hocks (OR 2.77 [CI 1.32-5.84]) had more than two times the odds for rib swellings compared with sound animals. The results of the present study can help raising awareness of rib swellings in dairy cows and contribute to the body of evidence on this condition.

Substance P concentrations in the blood plasma and serum of adult cattle and calves during different painful procedures and conditions - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Pain in cattle is a major welfare problem, as cattle mask their pain. Subjective and objective parameters to assess pain in cattle have been described. Among the objective parameters to evaluate pain in cattle is substance P (SP). SP is a neurotransmitter, which is involved in the processing of noxious information to the brain; it seems to be a more objective indicator for nociception than cortisol, which has long been used as a biomarker for pain and stress in cattle. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the existing literature about SP during painful procedures, conditions, and diseases in cattle in form of a systematic review. RESULTS: Following the PRISMA statement, 36 out of 236 studies were included in this systematic review. Study design, grouping, age and weight of animals, processing of blood samples for the assessment of SP, and results were heterogenous. The largest number of studies originated from the United States of America and Canada and were published in 2018. A higher number of studies were done on calves (69.4%, n = 25) compared with adult cattle (30.6%, n = 11). Most studies were done to assess SP concentrations after administration of analgesics prior to husbandry procedures in calves. CONCLUSIONS: There is a manageable number of studies assessing SP concentrations during painful procedures, conditions, and diseases in cattle. SP seems to be a suitable biomarker for nociception in cattle, but results of research work are heterogenous, and SP concentrations of calves and adult cattle differ throughout studies. Basic research work is missing and is needed to assess factors others than nociception which might influence the SP concentrations in the blood plasma.

German Farmers' Awareness of Lameness in Their Dairy Herds.

Lameness is one of the most challenging problems in the dairy industry. Control is impeded because farmers often underestimate the number of lame cows. The objectives of this study were to assess German farmers' awareness of lameness in their herds and to determine the associations between farmers' awareness and their management practices, farm characteristics as well as with farmers' education, personality traits and attitudes. As a part of a large cross-sectional study, veterinarians visited farms in three structurally different regions of Germany: north (n = 253), east (n = 252), and south (n = 260). The cows (n = 84,998) were scored for locomotion and farmers were asked to estimate the number of cows that were lame or did not walk soundly. The ratio of farmers' estimated prevalence and the veterinarians' observed prevalence (Farmer's Detection Index; FDI) was calculated. The median lameness prevalence assessed by the veterinarians was 23.1, 39.1, and 23.2%, and the median prevalence of lame cows estimated by the farmers was 9.5, 9.5, and 7.1% in the north, east, and south, respectively. On average, farmers were conscious of only 45.3% (north), 24.0% (east), and 30.0% (south) of their lame cows. Farmers managing their herds according to organic principles had a higher FDI than farmers who managed their herds conventionally. Surprisingly, no significant associations between FDI and factors concerning claw health management could be detected. Therefore, increased awareness did not seem to be necessarily linked to improved management. Moreover, the FDI was not significantly associated with farmers' education or herd size. In the south, more extraverted farmers had a lower FDI. Those farmers who totally agreed with the statement, "I am satisfied with my herd's health," had a lower FDI than farmers who disagreed or were undecided. Moreover, farmers who disagreed or were undecided with the statement, "It affects me to see a cow in pain" had a higher FDI than those farmers who agreed to the statement. The results indicate that poor awareness of lameness was linked to the farmers' attitude and personality. Therefore, new approaches concerning the consultation regarding lameness control, such as the use of Motivational Interviewing, might be useful in the future.

Pharmacokinetics of metamizole (dipyrone) as an add-on in calves undergoing umbilical surgery.

This preliminary clinical investigation of the pharmacokinetic behavior of the main metamizole (dipyrone) metabolites 4-methylaminoantipyrine (4-MAA) and 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AA) in calves undergoing umbilical surgery is part of an already published main study. A single intravenous dose of metamizole was added to ketamine/xylazine/isoflurane anesthesia. Eight Simmental calves weighing 90 ± 10.8 kg and aged 47.6 ± 10.4 days received 40 mg/kg metamizole intravenously 10 minutes prior to general anesthesia. Blood samples were collected over 24 hours and analyzed for 4-MAA and 4-AA. Meloxicam was additionally given twice: 2.5 hours pre- and 20.5 hours postsurgically. The pharmacokinetic profile of 4-MAA was best fitted to a two-compartment model and was characterized by a fast distribution half-life and slow elimination half-life (t½alpha = 5.29 minutes, t½beta = 9.49 hours). The maximum concentration (Cmax 101.63 µg/mL) was detected at the first measurement time point 15 minutes after administration. In contrast, 4-AA showed fast, high and biphasic plasma peak concentration behavior in five calves (2.54-2.66 µg/mL after 15-30 minutes, and 2.10-2.14 µg/mL after 2-3.5 hours) with a t½beta of 8.87 hours, indicating a rapid distribution and subsequent redistribution from well-perfused organs. Alternatively, three calves exhibited a slower and lower monophasic plasma peak concentration (1.66 µg/mL after 6.5 hours) with a t½beta of 6.23 hours, indicating slow accumulation in the intravascular compartment. The maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration curve (AUC) of 4-AA were lower than those of 4-MAA. This metabolic behavior supports our already published data on clinical monitoring and plasma cortisol concentrations (PCCs). Compared to those of saline controls, lower PCCs correspond to the t½alpha of 4-MAA. Data on Tmax and t½beta also match these clinical observations. However, further studies are required to assess the exact analgesic mechanism and potency of the metamizole metabolites in calves.

Identifying cow - level factors and farm characteristics associated with locomotion scores in dairy cows using cumulative link mixed models.

Lameness is a tremendous problem in intensively managed dairy herds all over the world. It has been associated with considerable adverse effects on animal welfare and economic viability. The majority of studies have evaluated factors associated with gait disturbance by categorising cows into lame and non-lame. This procedure yet entails a loss of information and precision. In the present study, we extend the binomial response to five categories acknowledging the ordered categorical nature of locomotion assessments, which conserves a higher level of information. A cumulative link mixed modelling approach was used to identify factors associated with increasing locomotion scores. The analysis revealed that a low body condition, elevated somatic cell count, more severe hock lesions, increasing parity, absence of pasture access, and poor udder cleanliness were relevant variables associated with higher locomotion scores. Furthermore, distinct differences in the locomotion scores assigned were identified in regard to breed, observer, and season. Using locomotion scores rather than a dichotomised response variable uncovers more refined relationships between gait disturbances and associated factors. This will help to understand the intricate nature of gait disturbances in dairy cows more deeply.

Retrospective Evaluation of Claw Lesions, Inflammatory Markers, and Outcome after Abomasal Rolling in Cattle with Left Displacement of the Abomasum.

Lameness is often diagnosed in cattle with left displacement of the abomasum (LDA). Laterality of lying has an effect on the etiology of LDA, and lame cows prefer to lie on the affected limb. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible association between laterality of claw lesion and presence of LDA. The medical records of 252 cattle presented with a diagnosis of LDA and subjected to a diagnostic examination of claw lesions over a period of 11 years (2009-2019), were analyzed retrospectively. Data were evaluated for presence and localization of claw lesion, concentrations of inflammatory markers, and abomasal rolling as therapy. At least one claw lesion was diagnosed in 46.4% of cattle. There was no association between laterality of claw lesion and LDA. Presence of claw lesion or oral drench and/or analgesic treatment did not have an effect on occurrence of relapse. A high number of cattle was diagnosed with both LDA and claw lesions. Focus should lie on preventing painful claw lesions in the dry and the early post-partum period. The high recurrence rate after abomasal rolling suggests that abomasal rolling should only be considered as a therapy for temporary relief, and surgical procedures should be discussed with farmers.

Exploring the attitudes of Bavarian farmers towards pain in cattle and how they differ from the attitudes of bovine veterinarians.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of pain in cattle depends on the observer's experience and evaluation. Only a few studies compare veterinarians' and farmers' attitudes towards pain in cattle. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 1097 cattle practitioners and 3750 farmers. Return rate was 26.2% for veterinarians and 15.4% for farmers, respectively. Respondents were asked to score the painfulness of procedures and diseases in cattle on a numerical rating scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable), to give their opinion about the use of analgesics during and after procedures, and to agree or disagree with given statements. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between pain scores awarded by veterinarians and farmers, but significant differences in parameters both groups relied on for pain assessment. Farmers were less willing than veterinarians to use analgesia during and after procedures. There was no significant difference in the amount of money veterinarians thought farmers would spent on analgesia and farmers' actual statements. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that farmers and veterinarians assess pain severity similarly, but recognise pain differently and disagree in their opinion regarding the use of analgesics. The communication between both groups needs to be improved to ensure proper pain management.

Case of suspected theobromine poisoning in dairy cattle.

High-yielding dairy cows collapsed and died displaying signs of a disturbed central nervous system (muscle tremor, convulsion) and a considerably reduced body condition score. An intense diagnostic screening did not allow to confirm a definite diagnosis. Therefore, further analyses including an evaluation of feeds and feeding were initiated. The herd was fed a total mixed ration (TMR) based on corn and grass silage of moderate nutritive value supplemented with various amounts of chocolate chips. In retrospect, the amount of chocolate chips added to the respective TMR batches could not be quantified. These chips were purchased from a company producing bakery and chocolate products for human consumption and added to the silage and therefore to the TMR in order to increase the energy intake of the animals. Because the TMR, which was fed during the time of the incidence, was no longer available, a sample of a later batch of silage was examined. The amount of chocolate chips was quantified (0.44% per fresh matter), and a theobromine analysis was performed in the chocolate chips of the available batch (69.7 mg/100 g fresh matter). Because of the possible link between chocolate intake and observed signs, an immediate cessation of using the chocolate chips was recommended in addition to an optimisation of the TMR, that is an increase of the energy density. Even though the theobromine intake during the time of the incidence is unknown and information about toxicity of theobromine in ruminants is limited, we suspect that the feeding of chocolate in this case caused all signs including the sudden death of the cows. Further reasons are that no differential diagnoses were established and the problems at the farm stopped after removing the chocolate from the TMR.

[Behavioural and physiological indicators of pain and distress in calves following tail docking]. / Verhaltensassoziierte und physiologische Indikatoren für Schmerz und Unwohlsein bei Kälbern nach Schwanzamputation.

OBJECTIVES: According to the German law on animal welfare (§ 6, section 3, No. 3), the prophylactic amputation of beef calves' tail end using elastic rubber rings requires authorities' permission. Removal of the tail end is performed in order to avoid tail tip necrosis. Other invasive management procedures such as dehorning and castration are associated with pain reactions and stress in calves. Also, more proximal docking of the tail between 2 vertebrae has a proven impact on the animal's wellbeing. However, little is known concerning the occurrence of pain and stress during docking the soft tail tip in beef calves. For this reason, this pilot study aimed to evaluate pain reactions of calves during tail docking using rubber rings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen male Fleckvieh and Fleckvieh-crossbreed calves 8-10 weeks of age were involved using a double-blind study. On day 0, a rubber ring was placed 3 cm proximally to the tip of the tail in the calves in group A (amputation), whereas calves in the group K (control) underwent a similar control handling. Following the procedure, blood plasma concentrations of cortisol and substance P were determined by ELISA. Parameters concerning behavior and activity were collected using video-assisted observation and recording of pedometer data. RESULTS: Treatment had no impact on substance P levels. The development of serum cortisol levels showed a decrease in group K compared to baseline values whereas cortisol levels remained constant in group A. On day 0, calves in group A exhibited higher step counts, tail shaking frequency as well as grooming of tail and hind quarters than calves in group K. CONCLUSION: Increased step count may be interpreted as restlessness. Frequent tail shaking as well as repetitive tail and rear quarter grooming may be associated with unpleasant sensation of the rubber rings' pressure. Alterations in physiological behavior, as well as a constant level of cortisol on day 0 and day + 1 may be indicative for pain perception provoked by the rubber ring application. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the first place, improvement of animal welfare is warranted for a reduction in incidence of tail tip necrosis, especially taking husbandry conditions into account. However, if tail docking is deemed necessary, based on the presented results the administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is recommended in order to reduce peri-procedural pain.

Attitudes of Bavarian bovine veterinarians towards pain and pain management in cattle.

BACKGROUND: Pain recognition in cattle is difficult, but the control and treatment of pain are essential for animal welfare. Pain evaluation depends on the observer's experience and opinion, resulting in different approaches towards pain and the use of analgesics. METHODS: A questionnaire to assess the attitudes of veterinarians towards pain and pain management in cattle was sent to 1097 bovine practitioners in Bavaria. Out of 287 returned questionnaires, 274 could be analysed. RESULTS: Claw amputation, extirpation of the eye bulb and caesarean section were considered to be the most painful procedures in adult cattle, and castration, umbilical surgery and laparotomy in calves. Orthopaedic diseases like bone fractures or arthritis were estimated to be the most painful conditions in both cattle and calves, and ileus and meningitis in calves. Female veterinarians scored pain higher than their male colleagues. Even though 75.5 per cent of veterinarians stated that they used analgesics adequately, pain management during surgery was low, especially for castration and dehorning in calves. CONCLUSION: Bavarian bovine veterinarians differ in their opinions about pain in cattle and the results of this study indicate that there a mismatch between their use of analgesics and the pain scores they awarded.

Use of metamizole as an additional analgesic during umbilical surgery in calves.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of metamizole on physiologic variables in calves undergoing surgical extirpation of the navel during anaesthesia using xylazine, ketamine and isoflurane. STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized trial. ANIMALS: A total of 26 calves. METHODS: Calves with uncomplicated umbilical hernias and otherwise clinically healthy were randomly allocated to one of two groups: the control group (CG) and metamizole group (MG). All calves were administered meloxicam (0.5 mg kg-1) intravenously (IV) 150 minutes before skin incision (SI). Animals were premedicated with xylazine (0.2 mg kg-1) intramuscularly 50 minutes before SI. Anaesthesia was induced with ketamine (2 mg kg-1) IV 30 minutes before SI and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. MG calves were given metamizole (40 mg kg-1) IV 60 minutes before SI. CG calves were administered an equivalent volume of saline. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were recorded from 5 minutes before SI until the end of anaesthesia (60 minutes after SI). Blood samples for determination of the plasma cortisol concentration (PCC) were drawn 60 minutes before SI and at 5, 30, 60, 150, and 510 minutes after SI. RESULTS: In both groups, PCC increased during surgery and decreased after surgery. PCC was consistently lower in MG than in CG and was significantly (p = 0.0026) lower at 150 minutes after SI in the MG. Overall, the mean PCC in MG was 10.9 nmol L-1 lower than that in CG (p = 0.01). In both groups, HR decreased during anaesthesia, whereas MAP increased, albeit with no statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our study results suggest that a single preoperative dose of metamizole may have a positive impact on intra- and immediate postoperative analgesia by reducing PCC when used as an indicator of nociception.

Factors Associated With Lameness in Tie Stall Housed Dairy Cows in South Germany.

Lameness remains a major concern for animal welfare and productivity in modern dairy production. Even though a trend toward loose housing systems exists and the public expects livestock to be kept under conditions where freedom of movement and the expression of natural behavior are ensured, restrictive housing systems continue to be the predominant type of housing in some regions. Factors associated with lameness were evaluated by application of multiple logistic regression modeling on data of 1,006 dairy cows from 56 tie stall farms in Bavaria, South Germany. In this population, approximately every fourth cow was lame (24.44% of scored animals). The mean farm level prevalence of lameness was 23.28%. In total, 22 factors were analyzed regarding their association with lameness. A low Body Condition Score (BCS) (OR 1.54 [95%-CI 1.05-2.25]) as well as increasing parity (OR 1.41 [95%-CI 1.29-1.54]) entailed greater odds of lameness. Moreover, higher milk yield (OR 0.98 [95%-CI 0.96-1.00]) and organic farming (OR 0.48 [95%-0.25-0.92]) appeared to be protectively associated with lameness. Cows with hock injuries (OR 2.57 [95%-CI 1.41-4.67]) or with swellings of the ribs (OR 2.55 [95%-CI 1.53-4.23]) had higher odds of lameness. A similar association was observed for the contamination of the lower legs with distinct plaques of manure (OR 1.88 [95%-CI 1.14-3.10]). As a central aspect of tie stall housing, the length of the stalls was associated with lameness; with stalls of medium [(>158-171 cm) (OR 2.15 [95%-CI 1.29-3.58]) and short (≤158 cm) length (OR 4.07 [95%-CI 2.35-7.05]) increasing the odds compared with long stalls (>171 cm). These results can help both gaining knowledge on relevant factors associated with lameness as well as approaching the problem of dairy cow lameness in tie stall operations.

[Intraocular melanoma in a 10-year-old female llama (Lama glama)]. / Intraokuläres Melanom bei einer 10 Jahre alten Lamastute (Lama glama).

A 10-year-old female llama was presented with a continually growing mass of the left eye. It displayed exophthalmus. The nictitating membrane was hyperemic. The cornea was completely opaque, vascularised, ulcerated and covered with abnormal tissue. Deeper structures of the eye were not visible. The right eye was unaffected. The left eye was removed under general anaesthesia. On histological examination, an amelanotic melanoma was diagnosed. The cornea, sclera, vitreous body and lens could not be differentiated. Fourteen months later, the llama was presented to the clinic because of a mass in the left orbita and right-sided blindness. Because of its poor general condition, the animal was euthanised. Histopathological examination revealed recurrence of the amelanotic melanoma with metastases to the regional lymph nodes and infiltration of the optical nerve, leading to the rightsided blindness.

Corrective Osteotomy of a Metacarpal Deviation Caused by Fracture in a 9-Month-Old German Fleckvieh Heifer.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical treatment of a metacarpal deviation caused by an untreated Salter-Harris type I fracture in a heifer. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMAL: 9-month-old German Fleckvieh heifer. METHODS: A closing wedge osteotomy was performed to correct deviation of fused metacarpal III and IV. A triangular bone wedge was removed and the proximal and distal fragments of the bone were brought into apposition and stabilized with an 11-hole T-plate. A full-limb cast was applied postoperative. RESULTS: Radiographs were taken at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperative. No postoperative complications occurred and the heifer was discharged from the clinic 51 days after surgery. Radiographs taken 6 months after discharge showed periosteal callus formation around the closing wedge osteotomy. At 24 months postoperative, implants were intact and the heifer was in good general condition. CONCLUSION: Closing wedge osteotomy was successfully performed in a heifer with a metacarpal deviation, correcting the malunion after a untreated Salter-Harris type I fracture. Radiographs showed evidence of osteotomy healing and the heifer had full use of the affected leg at 24 months postoperative.

Traumatic odontoid process synchondrosis fracture with atlantoaxial instability in a calf: clinical presentation and imaging findings.

A 6-week-old female Simmental calf was evaluated for acute non-ambulatory tetraparesis. Physical and laboratory examinations revealed no clinically relevant abnormalities. Neurological findings were consistent with acute, progressive and painful cervical myelopathy. Radiographs displayed a fractured odontoid process (dens axis) and vertebral step misalignment at the fracture site. A traumatic origin was suspected. Advanced diagnostic imaging was considered to allow better planning of potential surgical stabilisation and to exclude any additional lesions of the cervical vertebral column. However, during trailer transportation to the advanced diagnostic imaging and surgery site, the calf deteriorated neurologically and was humanely euthanised. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) were performed immediately post-mortem for scientific reasons. The MRI examination reflected the radiographic findings and confirmed severe spinal cord compression at the fracture site. In addition, a T2W-hyperintense signal change within the paravertebral soft tissue dorsal to the fracture site was indicative of a traumatic event. CT identified the fracture site at the synchondrosis between the odontoid process and the body of the axis, and this finding was confirmed by post-mortem examination. Advanced diagnostic imaging and post-mortem examination did not identify any other cervical lesion. In summary, this calf was diagnosed with a traumatic odontoid process synchondrosis fracture, which has not been reported previously in calves but presents a challenging and well-known fracture type in young children. This case report indicates that the odontoid process synchondrosis is a potential predisposed injury site and that traumatic odontoid process synchondrosis fractures should be considered as a potential differential in calves with acute cervical pain and/or signs of a cervical myelopathy.

The prevalence and clinical relevance of hyperkalaemia in calves with neonatal diarrhoea.

One hundred and twenty-four calves with neonatal diarrhoea were investigated in order to assess the prevalence of hyperkalaemia and the associated clinical signs. Hyperkalaemia (potassium concentration >5.8mmol/L) was recognized in 42 (34%) calves and was more closely associated with dehydration than with decreases in base excess or venous blood pH. In 75 calves with normal blood concentrations of D-lactate (i.e. ⩽3.96mmol/L), K concentrations were moderately correlated with base excess values (r=-0.48, P<0.001). In contrast, no significant correlation was observed in 49 calves with elevated D-lactate. Only three hyperkalaemic calves had bradycardia and a weak positive correlation was found between heart rate and K concentrations (r=0.22, P=0.014). Ten of the 124 calves had cardiac arrhythmia and of these seven had hyperkalaemia indicating that cardiac arrhythmia had a low sensitivity (17%) but a high specificity (96%) as a predictor of hyperkalaemia. In a subset of 34 calves with base excess values ⩽-5mmol/L and D-lactate concentrations <5mmol/L (of which 22 had hyperkalaemia), changes in posture/ability to stand could be mainly explained by elevations of K concentrations (P<0.001) and to a lesser extent by increases in L-lactate concentrations (P=0.024). Skeletal muscle weakness due to hyperkalaemia alongside hypovolaemia may produce a clinical picture that is similar to that in calves with marked D-lactic acidosis. However, since reductions in the strength of the palpebral reflex are closely correlated with D-lactate concentrations, a prompt palpebral reflex can assist the clinical prediction of hyperkalaemia in calves presenting with a distinct impairment in their ability to stand (specificity 99%, sensitivity 29%).