Prepartum behaviors as early indicators for postpartum energy associated biomarkers status in Holstein dairy cows.

Our main aim was to investigate the predictive value of prepartum behaviors such as total daily rumination (TDR), total daily activity (TDA) and dry matter intake (DMI) as early indicators to detect cows at risk for hyperketonemia (HYK), hypoglycemia (HYG) or high non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) status in the first (wk1) and second week (wk2) postpartum. In a case control study, 64 Holstein cows were enrolled 3 weeks before the expected time of calving and monitored until 15 days in milk (DIM). Postpartum blood samples were taken at D3 and D6 for wk1 and at D12 and D15 for wk2 to measure beta-hydroxybutyrate, NEFA and glucose concentration. Ear-mounted accelerometers were used to measure TDR and TDA. DMI and milk yield were obtained from farm records. Relationships between the average daily rate of change in prepartum TDR (ΔTDR), TDA (ΔTDA), and DMI (ΔDMI) with postpartum HYK, HYG and NEFA status in wk1 and wk2 post-partum were evaluated using linear regression models. Models were adjusted for potential confounding variables, and covariates retained in the final models were determined by backward selection. No evidence was found to support the premise that prepartum ΔTDR, ΔTDA or ΔDMI predicted postpartum HYK, HYG or NEFA status in wk1 or in wk2. Overall, prepartum ΔTDR, ΔTDA and ΔDMI were not effective predictors of HYK, HYG or NEFA status in the first 2 weeks postpartum.

Clinical and ultrasonographic investigations of 30 water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with hepatomegaly.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Knowledge of normal ultrasonographic dimensions of the liver and associated vascular structures is an important indicator for the diagnosis of hepatic diseases. Enlargement of the liver beyond its normal dimensions is the term of hepatomegaly and ultrasonography is the primary and the suitable diagnostic technique for this condition. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the clinical and ultrasonographic findings of liver diseases causing hepatomegaly in 30 buffaloes as well as to provide a range of liver dimensions and its blood vessel measurements in normal and diseased buffaloes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population included 30 buffaloes that were admitted to the clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Zagazig University for investigation of clinical signs associated with gastrointestinal diseases such as anorexia, chronic weight loss, and variable degrees of diarrhea or constipation. The animals were subjected to thorough clinical and ultrasonographic investigations. In addition, 10 healthy buffaloes were investigated ultrasonographically and post-slaughtering for comparison of liver dimensions and physical appearance. RESULTS: Three conditions causing hepatomegaly were identified in this study as multiple focal hepatic lesions, diffuse fatty liver, and hepatic congestion. Clinically, it was difficult to differentiate between each condition while ultrasonography was the ideal tool for diagnosis after comparing with necropsy as a gold standard tool. Hepatomegaly was recorded in all affected animals with a significant decrease in the size of the portal vein (PV) and caudal vena cava (CVC) in animals affected with multiple focal hepatic lesions and fatty liver disease while the size of the PV and CVC was significantly increased in buffaloes with hepatic congestion. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography can aid to accurately identify buffaloes with hepatomegaly and differentiate between different lesions involved.

Colic in a working horse population in Egypt: Prevalence and risk factors.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Colic is an important health problem in managed horse populations. Currently, there is limited information about colic prevalence and risk factors for colic in working horse populations. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, colic in a working horse population in Egypt and to describe management practices in this working horse population. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Owners of 350 working horses were interviewed. Data about their horses, management and colic episodes in the preceding 12 months were collected. Dental examination was conducted on 342 horses and blood samples (n = 100) were collected for immunodiagnosis of tapeworm (Anoplocephala perfoliata) infection. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for a history of colic in the preceding 12 months. RESULTS: The 12-month prevalence of colic was 54.6%. Severe and moderate tapeworm infection intensity was identified in 3% and 26% of horses tested, respectively. Horses that had severe dental disease (odds ratio [OR] 6.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-24.3, P<0.001), that displayed stereotypic behaviour (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.15-3.5, P = 0.013), were fed ground corn during the 'dry season' (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.03-2.6, P = 0.035) or that had received an anthelmintic in the previous 6 months (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.3, P = 0.003) were more likely to have a history of colic in the preceding 12 months. Horses fed on rice bran during the 'green season' (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26-0.9, P = 0.015) and that displayed geophagia/coprophagia (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.73, P = 0.001) were less likely to have a history of colic. CONCLUSIONS: Colic is common in this working horse population and this study has identified factors associated with altered likelihood of colic. The study provides important information that may be used to inform future prospective studies investigating colic in working horse populations and to assist development of preventive healthcare strategies. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting information.

Hydatid disease of the liver: laparoscopic approach, initial result in Egypt.

This prospective study assessed the laparoscopic approach for treatment of HHC in Ain Shams University Hospitals from January 2010 to April 2012. Laparoscopic partial cystectomy was performed in all patients; no conversion to open technique or anaphylaxis was recorded. The mean operative time was 60 minutes with no perioperative mortality, while postoperative morbidity was recorded in 4 patients (36%). The mean length of hospital stay was 4.5 days. Radiological and serological tests showed no recurrences at a median follow up period of 18 months. Laparoscopic management of HHC is feasible gaining all the benefits of laparoscopy with no added morbidities or increased risk of recurrence. Careful patient selection is madrdatory to achieve successful results.

Cavernous antioxidant effect of green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate with/without sildenafil citrate intake in aged diabetic rats.

This study aimed to assess the cavernous antioxidant effect of green tea (GT), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) with/without sildenafil citrate intake in aged diabetic rats. One hundred and four aged male white albino rat were divided into controls that received ordinary chow, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced aged diabetic rats, STZ-induced diabetic rats on infused green tea, induced diabetic rats on epigallocatechin-3-gallate and STZ-induced diabetic rats on sildenafil citrate added to EGCG. After 8 weeks, dissected cavernous tissues were assessed for gene expression of eNOS, cavernous malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and serum testosterone (T). STZ-induced diabetic rats on GT demonstrated significant increase in cavernous eNOS, cGMP, GPx and significant decrease in cavernous MDA compared with diabetic rats. Diabetic rats on EGCG demonstrated significant increase in cavernous eNOS, cGMP, GPx and significant decrease in cavernous MDA compared with diabetic rats or diabetic rats on GT. Diabetic rats on EGCG added to sildenafil showed significant increase in cavernous eNOS, cGMP and significant decrease in cavernous MDA compared with other groups. Serum T demonstrated nonsignificant difference between the investigated groups. It is concluded that GT and EGCG have significant cavernous antioxidant effects that are increased if sildenafil is added.