Characterization of Typical Behaviors of Mares in the Opening Phase of Parturition-Influence of Parity and Dystocia.

The identification of typical behaviors in stage I of parturition, the opening phase, can be used to improve birth monitoring in the mare. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively analyze mare behavior during the opening phase. Real-time recordings of 66 births involving 56 warmblood mares were analyzed using camera footage. Behaviors such as increased locomotor activity, pawing with front hooves, lifting the tail, rolling, kicking with the hind legs toward the abdomen, and looking at the abdomen increased significantly (p < 0.001) in the four hours preceding parturition. Within the last hour of the observation period, a statistically significant change was observed for the duration of lying in the sternal and lateral position (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed between parity and the total number of repetitions of lying in the sternal position (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the birth process influenced the repetitions of lying in the lateral position (p < 0.05). These findings indicate distinct behavioral patterns during the opening phase of parturition, which were evident across the observed mares. Nonetheless, notable individual differences were also identified among the mares.

Dystocia frequency and causes in horses with pregnancy disorders or a history of dystocia: A prospective study.

Dystocia typically presents a life-threatening condition for both the mare and the foal. This prospective long-term study aimed to ascertain whether mares with prior pregnancy disorders or a history of dystocia were at a higher risk of experiencing subsequent dystocia in comparison to those without such medical antecedents. To achieve this goal, the authors analysed 207 parturitions and 164 mares over a 10-year period. Of these, 57 were associated with pregnancy disorders or prior dystocia (Group 1), while 150 parturitions followed uneventful pregnancies in mares that had not yet experienced dystocia (Group 2). Mares in Group 1 were significantly more likely to develop dystocia than those in Group 2 (p = .0180; odds ratio = 2.98). Foetal causes of dystocia were more prevalent than maternal causes (p < .0389). Maternal mortality stood at 0.5%, and neonatal mortality reached 1.9%. The results demonstrate that mares are at significantly higher risk of developing dystocia after experiencing pregnancy disorders or parturition complications during previous pregnancies, emphasizing the need for systematic birth monitoring.

Use of sources of final-year veterinary students to answer clinical research questions.

OBJECTIVE: Until now, sources used by final-year veterinary students to develop clinical questions have not yet been investigated. Thus, the aim of this study was to record the use of sources by final-year veterinary students. This data should assist with the improvement of future veterinary teaching and enable it to meet the needs of students and veterinarians. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this purpose, the use of sources by 172 students in the compulsory development of a clinical question was evaluated. RESULTS: The most frequently cited sources were textbooks (37.7%), lecture notes (27.0%), websites (15.4%), professional articles (11.8%), scientific papers (7.8%), and, least frequently, the category of legal texts (0.3%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that students primarily use sources with which they are familiar from their studies. Educators should be aware of this and design their lecture materials accordingly. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Teaching students competence in the use of scientific literature is a task for teachers in the future.

Anti-Müllerian hormone: A novel biomarker for detecting bovine freemartinism.

The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) indicates ovarian reserve in cattle, maintaining a consistent trajectory post-puberty. In heterosexual pregnancies, the development of the Müllerian duct in female foetuses is inhibited, resulting in an anticipated minimal or absent ovarian reserve capacity. This investigation aimed to compare AMH levels in healthy Holstein heifers that had reached puberty with those of freemartin animals of the same breed and age. The study incorporated Holstein heifers reaching puberty between 11 and 15 months of age in Group 1 (G1, n = 20) and freemartin animals in Group 2 (G2, n = 19, 16). AMH measurements (AMH-1/AMH-2) were recorded at 12-day intervals for the study participants. Notably, AMH levels in three freemartin animals could not be detected, prompting statistical analysis based on measurements from the remaining 16 freemartin animals in G2. A statistically significant correlation was observed between two separate measurements in G1 and G2 (p < .001). Furthermore, AMH-1 and AMH-2 levels were statistically higher in G1 than in G2 (p < .001). In G1, AMH-1 levels ranged from 227 to 677 pg/mL, with an average of 367.3 ± 25.5 pg/mL, and AMH-2 levels ranged from 234 to 645 pg/mL, with an average of 380.8 ± 24.4 pg/mL. Conversely, in G2, AMH-1 levels ranged from 10 to 72 pg/mL, with an average of 26.8 ± 4.44 pg/mL, and AMH-2 levels ranged from 12 to 68 pg/mL, with an average of 28.75 ± 4.18 pg/mL. The mean AMH levels in G1 were approximately 14 times higher than in G2 (p < .001). Consequently, ROC analysis utilizing AMH-1 and AMH-2 data established cut-off values of ≤72 and ≤ 68 pg/mL respectively for distinguishing freemartin animals. In conclusion, AMH could be used as a reliable biomarker for identifying Holstein freemartin animals.

[Morbidity and mortality of mare and foal following dystocia - a literature review]. / Morbidität und Mortalität von Stute und Fohlen nach Dystokie ­ eine Literaturübersicht.

Dystocia represents a life-threatening condition for mare and foal. Morbidity and mortality rates due to a difficult birth, as well as the influence on fertility of the mare were analyzed, based on a review of publications. This was aggravated by the fact that no standardized diagnostic code was used and that most publications do not clearly describe how extensively the examinations were performed beforehand. Retentio secundinarum is the most common complication caused by dystocia. Other complications are injuries to the soft birth canal and the colon. These occur more frequently after surgical obstetrics than following assisted vaginal deliveries. Performing a fetotomy increases the risk of injury to the birth canal. After a caesarean section, the risk for retained placenta increases significantly. In order to evaluate the possibility of medical progress over time, mortality rates of mare and foal were investigated and divided in surgical and conservative obstetrics within the period of 1970-1990 and 1991-2021. The average maternal mortality rate following caesarean section amounted to 18% in the time period between 1970 and 1990 and 14% between the years from 1991-2021. After fetotomy, the two determined mortality rates amounted to 29% and 10% for the time between 1970 and 1990. In the period 1991-2021, the rate varies between 4% and 44% with an average mortality rate of 14%. Following controlled vaginal delivery, the average mortality rate is 9%. Literary sources were however only available for the current time period and range between 6% and 29%. The morbidity and mortality rate of foals is very high. Following caesarean section on average 53% of foals are dead on delivery, with a range of 13-79% in case reports from the years 1991-2021. The number of dead foals in the context of conservative obstetrics is of a similar scale. Postnatal foal diseases are largely due to intrapartum hypoxia during dystocia and obstetric injury. In consequence of a difficult delivery, mares experience reduced fertility. In numerous cases this however may be compensated by pausing from further breeding in the same year. The number of cases evaluated in this context however remains too small to advocate any recommendations for breeding following incidents of dystocia.

[Fatalities in a litter of French bulldogs puppies due canine herpesvirus 1]. / Todesfälle in einem Wurf französischer Bulldoggen Welpen im Zusammenhang mit dem caninen Herpesvirus 1.

This case report describes the occurrence of canine herpesvirus 1 in a litter of French bulldogs. In addition, the literature dealing with CHV-1 in puppies is summarized. Two puppies were presented due to dyspnea. During the night, one of them developed diarrhea as well as a highly disturbed general condition and was subsequently euthanized the following day. The second puppy was euthanized 6 hours later with a highly disturbed general condition. Necropsy revealed evidence of canine herpesvirus infection. This was confirmed by a virological examination. The presented case report shows that canine herpesvirus infection must also be considered as a cause of death in newborn puppies in Germany.

[Comparison of different resuscitation methods for newborn calves after dystocia]. / Vergleich verschiedener Erstbehandlungsmethoden bei neugeborenen Kälbern nach Schwergeburten.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the use of hand-powered vacuum pumps and the suspension by the hind legs within the scope of resuscitating newborn dystocial calves. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this study, data were collected from 60 dystocial calves of different breeds. Various reanimation methods were employed to these calves immediately after birth. In group I (n=20), the hand-powered vacuum pump from HK-Rheintechnik (Neuwied, Deutschland) was used to remove mucus and amniotic fluid from the respiratory tract. In group II (n=20), the McCulloch Medical (Elmwood, England) hand-powered vacuum pump was used to remove mucus and amniotic fluid from the respiratory tract. In group III (n=20) 10 to 12 liters of cold water were poured over the neck of 20 calves immediately after birth. In addition, the calves were suspended by the hind legs via a gate or a pole, so that the head hung downwards vertically. The calves' Time to Sternal Recumbency (T-SR) of the calves was measured following the different resuscitation procedures in order to assess their vitality. In addition, the calves were examined segmentally at one-hour post natum. Furthermore, the calves were examined clinically on the seventh day of life. In addition, we investigated whether confounding variables such as calf sex, dam parity, obstetric intervention, and the season affected T-SR. RESULTS: T-SR ranged from 1.5 to 10.5 minutes. There was no difference between the three initial treatment procedures (p=0.07). However, the T-SR of calves treated with a hand-powered vacuum pump tended to be shorter. No statistically significant difference between the pulse rates (p=0.73), respiratory rates (p=0.13), and rectal temperature (p=0.65) of the animals in the three groups on the first and seventh day of life was evident. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of the diseases up to the seventh day of life between the individual study groups. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present study was able to show that the use of hand-powered vacuum pumps is at least equivalent to suspending calves. When using hand-powered vacuum pumps, the girth of the muzzle must be taken into account, as this can limit their utility.

[Influence of an eCG administration on puerperal involution and fertility in Simmentaler cows]. / Einfluss einer eCG-Applikation auf den Puerperalverlauf und die Fruchtbarkeit von Fleckvieh-Milchkühen.

SUBJECT AND AIM: In the literature, various methods aiming for a promotion of uterine involution and ovarian function in post-partum dairy cattle have been described. Recently, successful use of equine choriongonadotropin (eCG) in this context has been repeatedly reported, while other studies have failed to demonstrate positive effects of eCG administration on puerperal involution in cows. Due to the contradictory results described in the literature, the aim of this field study was to verify whether the administration of eCG on day 10 post-partum exerts a positive effect on uterine involution, ovarian activity and fertility indices in Simmental cows. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In nine dairy farms, 205 Simmental cows were divided by lot into three groups: Group 1 animals received 500 I.U. eCG, group 2 received 50 µg gonadorelin, and group 3 animals received 250 mg butafosfan and 125 µg cyanocobalamin (control group). Treatment was administered on day 10 post-partum in each case. The animals were examined clinically and ultrasonographically on the 10th, 25th and 42nd day post-partum and the time to insemination and pregnancy were recorded. Group comparison with respect to the recorded parameters was initially performed without considering confounding factors by analysis of variance. In the second step, potential influencing variables (lactation, milk yield, change in backfat thickness, retentio secundarium and serverity of the obstetric intervention) were taken into account, as well as the combination of the random factors "farm" and "individual animal within the farm". RESULTS: The administration of eCG exhibited no significant effect on uterine involution, however, the cervical involution was influenced significantly. In the group of cows with eCG treatment, ovarian cysts were detected significantly more frequently on day 25 post-partum (p=0.04). This difference did not persist on the 42nd day post-partum. Neither voluntary waiting period nor the days open were significantly shortened by eCG administration. Lactation number showed a significant effect on uterine involution. Heifers exhibited more rapid involution by day 42 post-partum than cows. CONCLUSION: Administration of eCG in Simmentaler cows at day 10 post-partum showed no positive effect. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of eCG in early puerperium to promote fertility in the cow should be avoided.

Evaluation of serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations following treatment with vitamin D in Holstein Friesian heifers.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in the blood of dairy cattle are associated with the count of antral follicles (AFC), ovarian function. Numerous studies, particularly in human medicine, have shown that vitamin D3 (Vit D3) has a positive effect on AMH levels. To our knowledge, the effects of Vit D3 on serum AMH levels in heifers have not been investigated. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the concentrations of serum AMH in dairy heifers following Vit D3 treatment. The study included 20 healthy non-pregnant Holstein Friesian heifers. These animals came to estrus at least once. All heifers received a single intramuscular dosage of 5 million IU Vit D3 (Cholecalciferol). Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal veins of all animals before and after Vit D3 injection (days 7, 14, and 28) for the measurement of AMH and 25(OH)D concentrations. In our analysis, we observed that after exogenous Vit D3 administration, circular 25(OH)D increased constantly (up to day 28 after Vit D3 injection) in all animals. On day 28, AMH concentrations saw a 10% increase in comparison with those measured the day before the Vit D3 injection. However, a comparison of AMH concentrations measured across days did not reveal statistically significant differences between Day 0, 7, 14, and 28 levels (p = .10). Furthermore, no statistical correlation was observed between the pairs (age-AMH) and (weight-AMH). Considering all times, no correlation was found between 25(OH)D and blood AMH levels. These findings demonstrated that exogenous Vit D3 did not affect serum AMH in Holstein Friesian heifers.

Cryptosporidium parvum-induced neutrophil extracellular traps in neonatal calves is a stage-independent process.

Introduction: Infections with the apicomplexan obligate intracellular parasite Cryptosporidium parvum lead to cryptosporidiosis-a worldwide zoonotic infection. C. parvum is one of the most common diarrheal pathogens in young calves, which are the main reservoir of the pathogen. Cryptosporidiosis leads to severe economic losses in the calf industry and being a major contributor to diarrhea morbidity and mortality in children. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are part of the innate immune system. Their effector mechanisms directed against invasive parasites include phagocytosis, production of antimicrobial molecules as well as the formation of so-called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Like other leukocytes of the innate immune system, PMN are thus able to release chromatin fibers enriched with antimicrobial granular molecules extracellularly thereby immobilizing and partially killing invasive bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Methods: In vitro interactions of neonatal bovine PMN and C. parvum-oocysts and sporozoites were illustrated microscopically via scanning electron microscopy- and live cell imaging 3D holotomographic microscopy analyses. C. parvum-triggered NETosis was quantified via extracellular DNA measurements as well as verified via detection of NET-typical molecules [histones, neutrophil elastase (NE)] through immunofluorescence microscopy analysis. To verify the role of ATP in neonatal-derived NETosis, inhibition experiments were performed with NF449 (purinergic receptor antagonist with high specificity to P2X1 receptor). Results and discussion: Using immunofluorescence- and SEM-based analyses, we demonstrate here for the first time that neonate bovine PMN are capable of forming NETs against C. parvum-sporozoites and oocysts, thus as a stage-independent cell death process. Our data further showed that C. parvum strongly induces suicidal neonatal NETosis in a P2X1-dependent manner, suggesting anti-cryptosporidial effects not only through firm sporozoite ensnarement and hampered sporozoite excystation, but also via direct exposure to NETs-associated toxic components.

An Investigation of the Suitability of Viscosity Detection in Estimating IgG Content in Mare Colostrum.

An adequate supply of colostrum is important for the prevention of hypogammaglobulinaemia in foals. In addition to the quantity of colostrum consumed and the time of consumption, the quality of the colostrum, the immunoglobulin (Ig) G concentration, is crucial. The aim of this study was to determine whether the viscosity of equine colostrum was a suitable estimate of IgG concentration. IgG content of colostrum was measured by ELISA and viscosity directly measured with a cone plate viscometer and indirectly assessed with a funnel. Analysis of 56 colostrum samples obtained from 40 mares at different postpartum time points was conducted to assess colostrum samples with varying levels of quality. The range of IgG concentrations determined by ELISA was 0.83 to 245.5 mg/mL (30.69 ± 41.92 mg/mL). The range of viscosity values determined by the cone plate method was 1.84 to 110.00 cP (7.86 ± 17.48 cP) at a shear rate of 3 rpm. Colostrum drainage from the funnel (drainage time), varied between 7.9 and 30.0 s, with an average of 9.96 ± 4.48 s. As the data were not normally distributed, Spearman's rank correlation analyses were calculated and significant correlation found between viscosity and IgG content (ρ = 0.71, P < .001), as well as between drainage time and IgG content (ρ = 0.75, P < .001). These correlations indicate that determining the viscosity of equine colostrum by cone plate or drainage time, may be an effective proxy measurement of IgG content.

Induction of NETosis in ovine colostral PMN upon exposure to Neospora caninum tachyzoites.

Colostrum is one of the most important factors influencing the health and development of mammalian neonates. It is well-established that leukocytes, including polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), migrate from the mother to the infant via colostrum uptake. In this study, for the first time, we studied the ability of ovine colostral-derived PMN to extrude neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) against the abortive apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum. Although this cell population plays a significant role in the transmission of maternal innate immunity to neonates, little is known about colostral PMN activities in sheep. However, this cell population is a significant source of the transfer of maternal immunity to the neonate. Colostral PMN continues to exert immunological effects even after transitioning into the colostrum. The present study aimed to investigate the extrusion of NETs by ovine colostral PMN exposed to the apicomplexan parasite, N. caninum, which is known to cause devastating reproductive disorders in cattle, small ruminants, wildlife animals, and dogs. The present study is the first to demonstrate that ovine colostral PMN can produce NETs after stimulation with vital N. caninum tachyzoites. Ovine colostrum-derived NETs were detected by chromatin staining and antibody-based immunofluorescence staining of NET-specific structures, including neutrophil elastase (NE) and global histones (H1, H2A/H2B, H3, H4), as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis.

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.

Computer-assisted semen analysis in large falcons (Falco spp.) and comparison to results of conventional semen analysis

OBJECTIVE: Numerous raptor species including some falcon species are facing continuous population decline in the wild and some are threatened by extinction. To support these species, captive breeding and reintroduction programs are attempted. Besides conservation, some large falcon species are commonly used in falconry and therefore bred commercially. Assisted reproduction is established in falcon breeding since the 1970s and semen analysis is an integral part to enable assessment of breeding males, inclusion or exclusion of semen donors and quality control of semen prior to artificial insemination. Conventional methods for semen analysis are widely used, but are time consuming and depend on the investigator's experience and ability. Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) would offer an objective, fast and reproducible alternative, but as they have not been established in large falcon species, this was the aim of this study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To this end, we examined in 3 breeding seasons 109 semen samples of gyr-saker hybrid falcons (n=2) and peregrine falcons (n=4) in 940 fields of view using the Minitube CASA SpermVision and compared these results to results of conventional methods of semen analysis. We used a preprogrammed setting and adapted two settings of CASA according to specific semen characteristics of falcons. RESULTS: Sperm velocity, motility and viability parameters were recorded successfully using CASA. Correlation of conventional and computer-assisted motility analysis improved during the process of adaptation of CASA settings, but both methods differed significantly due to misinterpretation of round bodies and semen impurities by CASA. Viability values of conventional and computer assisted viability analysis using SYBR-PI correlated significantly while sperm concentration did not at all. CONCLUSION: CASA failed to replace conventional semen analysis regarding sperm motility and sperm concentration using 3 different settings, as a reliable differentiation between spermatozoa, spermatids and round bodies was not achieved. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Using CASA, sperm velocity parameters were measured in spermatozoa of captive-bred large falcons for the first time and may be used as orientation values.

The relationship between ovarian hormones and mast cell distribution in the ovaries of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) during the follicular wave.

Background and Aim: Mast cells (MCs) play an essential role in regulating tissue homeostasis through various non-allergic immune reactions. This study aimed to describe the salient features of MCs during different phases of the estrous cycle and evaluate the relationship between ovarian hormones and the presence of MCs in camel ovaries. Materials and Methods: Genital tracts (n = 28) of healthy, non-pregnant camels were collected from a local slaughterhouse. The follicular wave stage was determined according to structures on the ovaries using an ultrasound device. Stages were classified as "growing" (n = 12, FØ = 0.3-0.8 cm), "mature" (n = 9, FØ = 0.9-2.2 cm), or "regression" phase (n = 7, FØ >2.5). Blood samples were collected at slaughter to determine serum estradiol-17ß and progesterone levels using an immunoassay. Safranin-O, periodic acid/Schiff, alcian blue, or methylene blue stains were used to detect MCs. Results: Follicular numbers at the growing, mature, and regression phases were determined to be 36, 14, and 7 follicles, respectively. Mast cells were widely but sparsely distributed within the ovarian tissue (9.3 MCs in the growing phase, 10.7 in the mature phase, and 7.0 in the regression phase). Typical histological features of MCs were observed in ovarian stromal tissue. Some MCs were found in the interstitial tissue, either near the follicular wall or the interstitial gland. Mast cells were present at a higher density during the mature phase than in the growing and regression phases in the ovarian matrix. A significantly reduced presence of MCs was found in the regression phase than in both the growing and mature phases (p < 0.05). A very strong positive correlation was observed between serum estradiol-17ß concentrations and MC density in the ovaries (r = 0.9; p < 0.001). In addition, a strong negative correlation (r = -0.65; p = 0.03) was observed between the presence of MCs and serum progesterone concentrations. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the follicular wave phase and the associated hormonal concentration induce changes in the number of MCs in the camel ovary.

Frequency and Characterisation of Anomalies and Fractures of the Caudal Spine in Sheep with Undocked Tails.

As tails are often docked within the first days of life, studies investigating tail malformations and injuries in sheep do not exist thus far. To address this gap in the literature, this research aimed to analyse the occurrence of vertebral anomalies and fractures in the tail within an undocked Merinoland sheep population. At 14 weeks of age, the caudal spines of 216 undocked Merinoland lambs was radiographically examined, and tail length and circumference were measured. Anomalies were documented and statistical correlation and model calculations were performed. The occurrence of block vertebrae was observed in 12.96% and wedged vertebrae in 8.33% of the sample. Of the animals, 59 (27.31%) exhibited at least one vertebral fracture, which were observed in the middle and caudal third of the tail. A significant correlation was found between the occurrence of fractures and tail length (r = 0.168) and number of vertebrae (r = 0.155). Conversely, the presence of block and wedged vertebrae was not significantly correlated with tail length, circumference, or number of vertebrae. Only the sex showed significant differences in the probability of axis deviation. These results emphasize the importance of breeding for short tails to avoid fractures.

Influence of birth weight, sex and disinfection on the involution of umbilical structures in calves.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical disinfection for calves is often recommended, but scientific studies do not always show a positive effect on disease prevention. In addition, there is little to no metric data on umbilical involution or on factors influencing the size of umbilical structures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the physiological involution of umbilical structures and the effect of two different umbilical treatment methods. METHODS: After birth, calves' umbilical cord stumps were treated with either an iodine tincture (n = 43) or an antibiotic spray (n = 41) or were left untreated (n = 42). On days 0, 1, 3, 7 and 14 after birth, calves were examined and external umbilical structures were measured. In addition, on day 14 (±2 days), a sonographic examination of umbilical structures was conducted. RESULTS: The treatment applied had no significant effect on the size of umbilical structures during the first 14 days of life. However, the diameter of the umbilical stalk was larger in male calves and calves with a higher birth weight than in female calves and calves with a lower birth weight. LIMITATION: The study was carried out on only one farm, so the generalisability of the findings may be limited. CONCLUSION: Umbilical structures showed significant involution over time and were influenced by birth weight and sex.

[Definition, incidence and causes of dystocia in horses - a review of the literature]. / Definition, Häufigkeit und Ursachen der Dystokie beim Pferd ­ eine Literaturübersicht.

In horses, birth is classified as dystocia when the process of parturition threatens to inflict damage onto the mare or the foal, when assistance is required to complete the process of parturition, or when there are temporal deviations in the physiological duration of the first and/or second parturition stages. In this, the duration of the second stage is an important indicator in identifying dystocia, as this phase is easily discernible by the mare's behavior. Equine dystocia is classified as an emergency with life-threatening consequences for mare and foal. A large degree of variation has been found in the reported incidence of dystocia. Stud farm surveys reported dystocia in 2-13% of all births, regardless of breed. Fetal malpositioning of the limbs and neck during parturition is described as the most common cause of dystocia in horses. The species-specific length of limbs and neck is considered to be the reason for this finding.

Veterinary Naturopathy and Complementary Medicine: A Survey among Homepages of German Veterinary Practitioners.

BACKGROUND: The use and interest in veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine are increasing and modes of treatment are diverse. To this point, only a few data on the German situation in small animal medicine exist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online research of 1,083 German veterinary homepages for contents of veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine was performed in September and October 2017. "Veterinarian" and "Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons" were used as search items. Homepages of small animal medicine were included. They were surveyed for modes of complementary and naturopathic treatments and corresponding qualifications of the offering veterinarian. Data were collected and processed using Excel 2013 Version 15.0. Afterward, a descriptive data analysis was performed. RESULTS: 60.7% (n = 657) of homepages showed contents of veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine. The highest percentage was found in the Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons of Saarland (91.7%, n = 11 out of 12). Homeopathy was cited most frequently (58%, n = 381). Out of all homepages with relevant content, 31.4% (n = 206) gave information about user qualifications, with continuous education programs named most frequently (52.9%, n = 109). CONCLUSION: The given data illustrate the high number of German veterinary homepages with contents of veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine, corresponding to actual data of a high usage in veterinary and human medicine. Therefore, further scientific research in this field seems reasonable. Modes of treatment and qualifications are highly diverse and despite of controversial public discussions, homeopathy was the most frequently cited treatment modality on German veterinary homepages.