Split spinal cord malformations in 4 Holstein Friesian calves.

BACKGROUND: The split spinal cord malformation (SSCM) is an uncommon congenital malformation of the vertebral canal in which parts of the spinal cord are longitudinally duplicated. In SSCM Type I, each spinal cord has its own dura tube. In the SSCM Type II, both parts of the spinal cord are surrounded by a common dura tube. CASES PRESENTATION: During the clinical examination one calf showed ambulatory paresis and 3 calves non-ambulatory paraparesis. Calf 4 additionally had a congenital tremor. The examination of calf 4 using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a median hydrosyringomyelia at the level of the 4th lumbar vertebra. The caudal part of this liquid-filled cavity was split longitudinally through a thin septum. From there, the spinal cord structures duplicated with an incomplete division, so that the transverse section of the spinal cord appeared peanut-shaped and in each half a central canal could be observed. The pathological-anatomical examination after euthanasia showed a duplication of the spinal cord in the area of the lumbar vertebral column in all calves. The histopathological examination revealed two central lumbar vertebral column channels. The two spinal cord duplicates were each surrounded by two separate meninges in calf 2 (SSCM type I); in the other calves (1, 3, 4, and) the two central canals and the spinal cord were covered by a common meninx (SSCM type II). A pedigree analysis of calves 2, 3 and 4 showed a degree of relationship suggestive of a hereditary component. This supports the hypothesis of a possible recessive inheritance due to common ancestors, leading to partial genetic homozygosity. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical appearance of SSCM can vary widely. In calves with congenital paralysis SSCM should always be considered as a differential diagnosis. A reliable diagnosis intra vitam is possible only with laborious imaging procedures such as MRI. Further studies on the heritability of this malformation are necessary to confirm a genetic cause of this disease.

Identification of a Novel Hepacivirus in Domestic Cattle from Germany.

UNLABELLED: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to represent one of the most significant threats to human health. In recent years, HCV-related sequences have been found in bats, rodents, horses, and dogs, indicating a widespread distribution of hepaciviruses among animals. By applying unbiased high-throughput sequencing, a novel virus of the genus Hepacivirus was discovered in a bovine serum sample. De novo assembly yielded a nearly full-length genome coding for a polyprotein of 2,779 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the virus represents a novel species within the genus Hepacivirus. Viral RNA screening determined that 1.6% (n = 5) of 320 individual animals and 3.2% (n = 5) of 158 investigated cattle herds in Germany were positive for bovine hepacivirus. Repeated reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) analyses of animals from one dairy herd proved that a substantial percentage of cows were infected, with some of them being viremic for over 6 months. Clinical and postmortem examination revealed no signs of disease, including liver damage. Interestingly, quantitative RT-PCR from different organs and tissues, together with the presence of an miR-122 binding site in the viral genome, strongly suggests a liver tropism for bovine hepacivirus, making this novel virus a promising animal model for HCV infections in humans. IMPORTANCE: Livestock animals act as important sources for emerging pathogens. In particular, their large herd size and the existence of multiple ways of direct and food-borne infection routes emphasize their role as virus reservoirs. Apart from the search for novel viruses, detailed characterization of these pathogens is indispensable in the context of risk analysis. Here, we describe the identification of a novel HCV-like virus in cattle. In addition, determination of the prevalence and of the course of infection in cattle herds provides valuable insights into the biology of this novel virus. The results presented here form a basis for future studies targeting viral pathogenesis of bovine hepaciviruses and their potential to establish zoonotic infections.

A commonly used rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid supplement marginally affects fatty acid distribution of body tissues and gene expression of mammary gland in heifers during early lactation.

BACKGROUND: Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in general, and in particular the trans-10,cis-12 (t10,c12-CLA) isomer are potent modulators of milk fat synthesis in dairy cows. Studies in rodents, such as mice, have revealed that t10,c12-CLA is responsible for hepatic lipodystrophy and decreased adipose tissue with subsequent changes in the fatty acid distribution. The present study aimed to investigate the fatty acid distribution of lipids in several body tissues compared to their distribution in milk fat in early lactating cows in response to CLA treatment. Effects in mammary gland are further analyzed at gene expression level. METHODS: Twenty-five Holstein heifers were fed a diet supplemented with (CLA groups) or without (CON groups) a rumen-protected CLA supplement that provided 6 g/d of c9,t11- and t10,c12-CLA. Five groups of randomly assigned cows were analyzed according to experimental design based on feeding and time of slaughter. Cows in the first group received no CLA supplement and were slaughtered one day postpartum (CON0). Milk samples were taken from the remaining cows in CON and CLA groups until slaughter at 42 (period 1) and 105 (period 2) days in milk (DIM). Immediately after slaughter, tissue samples from liver, retroperitoneal fat, mammary gland and M. longissimus (13th rib) were obtained and analyzed for fatty acid distribution. Relevant genes involved in lipid metabolism of the mammary gland were analyzed using a custom-made microarray platform. RESULTS: Both supplemented CLA isomers increased significantly in milk fat. Furthermore, preformed fatty acids increased at the expense of de novo-synthesized fatty acids. Total and single trans-octadecenoic acids (e.g., t10-18:1 and t11-18:1) also significantly increased. Fatty acid distribution of the mammary gland showed similar changes to those in milk fat, due mainly to residual milk but without affecting gene expression. Liver fatty acids were not altered except for trans-octadecenoic acids, which were increased. Adipose tissue and M. longissimus were only marginally affected by CLA supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Daily supplementation with CLA led to typical alterations usually observed in milk fat depression (reduction of de novo-synthesized fatty acids) but only marginally affected tissue lipids. Gene expression of the mammary gland was not influenced by CLA supplementation.

Comparison of isoflurane inhalation anaesthesia, injection anaesthesia and high volume caudal epidural anaesthesia for umbilical surgery in calves; metabolic, endocrine and cardiopulmonary effects.

OBJECTIVE: To compare three anaesthetic protocols for umbilical surgery in calves regarding adequacy of analgesia, and cardiopulmonary and hormonal responses. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomised experimental study. ANIMALS: Thirty healthy German Holstein calves (7 female, 23 male) aged 45.9 ± 6.4 days. METHODS: All calves underwent umbilical surgery in dorsal recumbency. The anaesthetic protocols were as follows: group INH (n = 10), induction 0.1 mg kg(-1) xylazine IM and 2.0 mg kg(-1) ketamine IV, maintenance isoflurane in oxygen; Group INJ (n = 10), induction 0.2 mg kg(-1) xylazine IM and 5.0 mg kg(-1) ketamine IV, maintenance 2.5 mg kg(-1) ketamine IV every 15 minutes or as required; group EPI (n = 10), high volume caudal epidural anaesthesia with 0.2 mg kg(-1) xylazine diluted to 0.6 mL kg(-1) with procaine 2%. All calves received peri-umbilical infiltration of procaine and pre-operative IV flunixin (2.2 mg kg(-1) ). Cardiopulmonary variables were measured at preset intervals for up to 2 hours after surgery. The endocrine stress response was determined. Intra-operative nociception was assessed using a VAS scale. Data were compared between groups using appropriate statistical tests. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: All three protocols provided adequate anaesthesia for surgery although, as judged by the VAS scale, intra-operative response was greatest with INJ. Lowest mean cortisol levels during surgery occurred in EPI. Heart rate and cardiac output did not differ between groups, but mean arterial blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide were higher and arterial pH lower in groups INH and INJ than in Group EPI. Group INJ became hypoxaemic and had a significantly greater vascular shunt than did the other groups. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Groups INH and EPI both proved acceptable protocols for calves undergoing umbilical surgery, whilst INJ resulted in variable anti-nociception and in hypoxaemia. High volume caudal epidural anaesthesia provides a practical inexpensive method of anaesthesia for umbilical surgery.

Correction: Use of validated objective methods of locomotion characteristics and weight distribution for evaluating the efficacy of ketoprofen for alleviating pain in cows with limb pathologies.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218546.].

Use of validated objective methods of locomotion characteristics and weight distribution for evaluating the efficacy of ketoprofen for alleviating pain in cows with limb pathologies.

In veterinary practice pain alleviation plays a part in managing lameness. The aim of this randomized and placebo-controlled clinical study was to evaluate the effect of a single administration of ketoprofen on locomotion characteristics and weight distribution in cattle with foot (located up to and including the fetlock; n = 31) and (proximal to the fetlock; n = 10) pathologies. Cattle were randomly allocated to either the ketoprofen (group K; intravenous 3 mg/kg of body weight; n = 21) or an equivalent volume of isotonic sterile saline solution (group P; n = 20). Two accelerometers (400 Hz; kinematic outcome = stance phase duration; kinetic outcome = foot load and toe-off), a 4-scale weighing platform (weight distribution and SD of the weight) and a subjective locomotion score were measured before (baseline) and after 1 h and 18 h of treatment. All variables were expressed as differences across contralateral limbs, and the measurements at 1 h and 18 h were compared to the baseline. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine the differences between groups K and P. A logistic regression model with a binary outcome (0 = no improvement and 1 = improvement of the differences across the contralateral limbs over time) was calculated. Mean (± SD) of locomotion scores at baseline were not significantly different (P = 0.102) in group K (3.10 ± 0.80) as compared to group P (3.48 ± 0.64). Cattle of group K showed significantly lower differences across contralateral limbs at 1 h as compared to group P for the relative stance phase and the weight distribution. Only the treatment (P versus K) remained a significant factor in the model for relative stance phase (odds ratio (OR) = 6.5; 95% CI = 1.38-30.68) and weight distribution (OR = 6.36; 95% CI = 1.30-31.07). The effects of ketoprofen were evident in improving the differences across contralateral limbs-both for stance phase during walking and weight bearing during standing-after 1 h but not after 18 h of administration.

Effects of xylazine hydrochloride on hormonal, metabolic, and cardiorespiratory stress responses to lateral recumbency and claw trimming in dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hormonal, metabolic, and cardiorespiratory effects of xylazine hydrochloride on dairy cows undergoing lateral recumbency and claw trimming. DESIGN: Prospective crossover study. ANIMALS: 6 healthy Holstein-Friesian cows. PROCEDURES: Cows were treated with xylazine (0.05 mg/kg [0.023 mg/lb], IM) or an equal volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution 15 minutes before being placed in lateral recumbency for claw trimming. As a third treatment, cows also received xylazine (0.05 mg/kg, IM) but underwent no further manipulation. At preset time intervals, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic arterial blood pressure, diastolic arterial blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), blood gas values, and plasma concentrations of cortisol, insulin, glucose, lactate, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured, and signs of sedation and ruminal bloat were recorded. RESULTS: Saline solution treatment resulted in a temporary significant increase in SAP, diastolic arterial blood pressure, MAP, RR, and cortisol, lactate, and NEFA concentrations and a significant decrease in arterial oxygen saturation (Sao(2)). Xylazine treatment induced significant decreases in HR, RR, MAP, insulin and NEFA concentrations, and Sao(2) and induced significant increases in glucose concentration. Compared with saline solution treatment, HR, RR, MAP, Sao(2), and cortisol, lactate, and NEFA concentrations were significantly decreased with xylazine treatment. Xylazine treatment resulted in mild signs of sedation as well as clinically negligible ruminal bloat. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Xylazine administered in a low dose to cows preceding lateral recumbency for claw trimming decreased hormonal and metabolic stress responses, but augmented the respiratory depressive effect of lateral recumbency reflected by a decreased Pao and increased Paco(2).

The use of xylazine hydrochloride in an analgesic protocol for claw treatment of lame dairy cows in lateral recumbency on a surgical tipping table.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of xylazine on the stress and pain response of lame cows undergoing claw treatment in lateral recumbency (LR). Twenty-four lame, German Holstein-Friesian cows were included in a prospective, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical case study. Cows were randomly allocated to two groups (n=12) and either treated with xylazine (0.05 mg/kg BW, i.m.) or an equal volume of saline (controls) 15 min before placing them in LR. Before surgical treatment, each cow received retrograde intravenous local anaesthesia (LA). Over a period of 6h, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), plasma concentrations of cortisol, glucose, lactate and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were determined at preset time intervals and the animals' behaviour was recorded via video recording and pedometer. All xylazine-treated cows showed signs of mild sedation, a reduced pain response on insertion of the needle for LA, reduced ear flicking during surgery, reduced lameness score and longer standing periods as well as improved appetite in the first hour postoperatively. Mean HR and RR, as well as plasma concentrations of NEFA were significantly reduced after xylazine treatment. Cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in xylazine-treated cows after being placed in LR but were similar to controls during surgery. The use of a low dose of xylazine in the analgesic protocol for the treatment of lame cows in LR alleviates stress and potentiates the analgesic effects of LA.

Transcutaneous vs. intraoperative quantitative ultrasound for staging bovine hepatic steatosis.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that quantitative analysis of transcutaneous (Transc) ultrasound (US) images can predict the liver fat content with similar accuracy and precision as using intraoperative (Intraop) US. The second goal was to investigate if a tissue mimicking phantom (TMP) might be used as reference for automatic gain compensation (AGC) vs. depth instead of using the data of a set of cows without hepatic alterations. A study was performed in post partum dairy cows (N = 151), as an animal model of human nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), to test these hypotheses. Five Transc and five Intraop US liver images were acquired in each animal and a liver biopsy was taken. In liver tissue samples, triacylglycerol (TAG) content was measured by biochemical analysis and hepatic alterations, other than hepatic steatosis, were excluded by clinical examination. Several preprocessing steps were performed before the ultrasound tissue characteristics (UTC) parameters of B-mode images were derived. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed on a training set (N = 76) and the results were used on the test group (N = 75) to predict the TAG content in the liver. In all cases, the residual attenuation coefficient (ResAtt) was the only selected parameter. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was applied to assess the performance and area under the curve (AUC) of predicting TAG and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the methods used. High ROC values for AUC (95%), sensitivity (87%) and specificity (83%) for both Intraop and Transc applications with control group as well as with phantom-based AGC were obtained. Consequently, it can be concluded that Transc results are equivalent to Intraop results. Furthermore, equivalent ROC values, when using TMP AGC, indicates the potential use of TMP-based corrections instead of normal group-based corrections. The high predictive values indicate that noninvasive quantitative US has a great potential for staging and screening on hepatic steatosis in cows.