Cecal spirochetosis associated with Serpulina pilosicoli in captive juvenile ring-necked pheasants

Spirochetes similar to those described in the ceca of broilers with diarrhea and in laying hens with decreased egg production and growth were identified in the ceca of captive-raised juvenile ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). The birds were submitted for diagnostic investigation of an illness characterized by a seromucoid ocular discharge, sneezing, swollen infraorbital sinuses, and weight loss. In addition to cecal spirochetosis, the birds had mild enteric coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and nematodiasis (Heterakis spp.); esophageal capillariasis; and respiratory mycoplasmosis. Weakly beta-hemolytic spirochetes isolated from the ceca of one pheasant were identified as Serpulina pilosicoli with the use of a 16S rRNA sequence-specific polymerase chain reaction amplification assay. Diffuse cecal enterocyte attachment was reproduced in a 1-day-old chick challenged with the pheasant S. pilosicoli isolate. Immunohistochemical staining of sections of ceca from the pheasant and challenged chick with a Serpulina spp. flagellar antigen-specific monoclonal antibody confirmed spirochetal attachment to cecal enterocytes. The etiologic significance of the spirochete infection is unknown because respiratory signs and multiple gastroenteric pathogens dominated the clinicopathologic manifestations and an intestinal disorder was not a clinical complaint.

Chronic caecal faecolithiasis in a dog

A 14-year-old, spayed female Jack Russell terrier with a six month history of weight loss, lethargy, intermittent vomition and diarrhoea was diagnosed as having a chronic impaction of the caecum with mineralised faecal material. Diagnosis was based on the clinical findings and both survey and positive contrast radiographic studies. The diagnosis of caecal impaction was confirmed at surgery and a typhlectomy was performed with the aid of a linear stapler. Histopathology of the caecum confirmed the impaction to have resulted from faecolithiasis. The dog made a full recovery from the procedure, showing no recurrence of the clinical signs until euthanasia three months postoperatively for probable heart failure associated with mitral regurgitation.

Myoelectric activity of the cecum and proximal loop of the ascending colon in cows after spontaneous cecal dilatation/dislocation

OBJECTIVE

To analyze myoelectric activity of the cecum and proximal loop of the ascending colon (PLAC) in cows after spontaneous cecal dilatation/dislocation (CDD) and compare it with that in healthy cows after surgical evacuation of the cecum.

ANIMALS

12 cows with spontaneous CDD and 6 healthy cows (group C). Cows with spontaneous CDD were retrospectively assigned to 2 groups: delayed recovery from surgery or recurrence (group A; n = 3), and normal recovery (group B; n = 9).

PROCEDURE

After surgical evacuation of the cecum, 8 pairs of bipolar, retrievable electrodes were implanted in the ileum, cecum, and PLAC. Cows were evaluated daily from postoperative day 1 to 7, using routine clinical methods and computer-based analysis of myoelectric activity of the cecum, and PLAC. Parameters of myoelectric activity included rate of spike bursts, duration of individual spike bursts, duration of overall spike burst activity per electrode, rate of propagated spike burst sequences, and ratio of orally propagated spike burst sequences.

RESULTS

Rate of spike bursts, duration of cecocolic spike burst activity, and ratio of orally to aborally propagated spike burst sequences did not vary among groups during the 7-day recording period. However, cows with delayed recovery had a typical, uniform pattern of myoelectric activity of the cecum and PLAC at days 1 and 2 after surgery that consisted of repeated, propagated spike burst sequences, made up of spike bursts of significantly (P < 0.05) increased duration at postsurgical day 1 and substantially prolonged duration at postsurgical day 2, interrupted by periods of little or no activity.

CONCLUSION

Delayed recovery and recurrence of CDD in cows after spontaneous CDD is not caused by hypomotility of the cecum and PLAC.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Postoperative treatment, intended to reduce recurrence of CDD or delayed recovery after surgical evacuation of the cecum, should address propagation of digesta in the spiral colon.

Diseases and surgery of the cecum

The cecum is an important site of water and electrolyte absorption, as well as microbial digestion of soluble and insoluble carbohydrates. These functions of the cecum and ascending colon require that ingesta be mixed constantly and retained long enough to complete the digestion of cellulose. Parasites, changes in regional blood flow, diet, and various pharmacologic agents are associated with alterations in normal cecal motility patterns.

Caecal disease in equids

OBJECTIVE

To review the breed, age, gender, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of horses with caecal disease presented to a referral centre.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of 96 cases.

PROCEDURE

The breed, age, and gender of the study population were compared with the corresponding hospital population for the same period. The means (+/- SD) for clinical and laboratory findings were recorded for each caecal disorder. Treatment was categorised as medical or surgical, and outcome was recorded.

RESULTS

Caecal diseases included impaction (40% of total cases), rupture associated with concurrent unrelated disease (13%), rupture with parturition (9%), rupture with no associated disease (5%), infarction (11%), torsion (9%), abscess or adhesion (7%), tumour (3%), and miscellaneous conditions (3%). The breed or gender of affected horses did not differ from the hospital population, although horses > 15 years were more frequently represented (P < 0.05). This age group was specifically more predisposed to caecal impaction (P < 0.05), as were Arabian, Morgan, and Appaloosa breeds (P < 0.05). In horses with caecal impaction transrectal examination was the most useful diagnostic procedure; 90% of affected horses treated medically were discharged while horses treated by typhlotomy alone, or typhlotomy and blind end ileocolostomy, had survival rates to discharge of 71% and 86%, respectively. Horses with caecal rupture associated with concurrent un-related disease showed no signs of impending rupture; all were receiving phenylbutazone, all were euthanased, and 50% had caecal ulceration at necropsy. Of horses with caecal rupture with parturition 56% had prior dystocia; in two-thirds the site of rupture was the ileocaecal junction and all were euthanased. Horses with caecal rupture with no associated disease died or were euthanased; rupture was idiopathic. Horses with caecal infarction usually had signs of abdominal pain and abdominal fluid changes consistent with peritonitis; transrectal examination was nonspecific, and typhlectomy was successful in seven of eight horses. Horses with caecal torsion had signs of severe, acute abdominal pain and typhlectomy was successful in three of five horses. Diagnosis of caecal adhesion or abscess was assisted by transrectal palpation in two of seven horses and surgical treatment was successful in two of five horses. A caecal tumour was diagnosed in three horses aged 20 years or older that presented with chronic weight loss. Other caecal diseases were uncommon.

CONCLUSION

Caecal disease is uncommon in equids but some specific features of the history and physical findings can alert the veterinarian to the possibility of caecal involvement in horses with gastrointestinal dysfunction. Medical or surgical therapy can be effective in horses where caecal rupture has not occurred.

Jejunocolostomy or ileocolostomy for treatment of cecal impaction in horses: nine cases (1985-1995)

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether complete cecal bypass, by jejunocolostomy or ileocolostomy, is an effective treatment for horses with cecal impaction.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of medical records.

ANIMALS

9 horses with cecal impaction managed by jejunocolostomy (3) or ileocolostomy (6) performed with or without typhlotomy for evacuation of cecal contents.

PROCEDURE

Information on age, breed, gender, duration of medical treatment, preoperative abnormalities, surgical procedure, and postoperative complications was retrieved from the medical records. Follow-up data were obtained via telephone interview with owners.

RESULTS

6 males and 3 females between 9 and 24 years old (median, 14 years) were included. Five of 9 horses had signs of mild pain associated with reintroduction of food after surgery. All 7 horses for which follow-up information was available were still alive between 7 and 54 months (median, 1.5 years) after surgery.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Jejunocolostomy or ileocolostomy resulted in apparently permanent resolution of cecal impaction in these horses and acceptable long-term outcomes. Mild signs of abdominal pain associated with the onset of feeding can be expected in the early postoperative period.

Utero-cecal fistula in a doe

Images

[The topography of the cecum and proximal loop of the colon in cattle with cecal dilatation]

The topography of the cecum and the proximal loop of the colon was studied in 32 cattle of different german breeds, female gender and different age (5.2 +/- 2.0 years), which were surgically treated for cecal dilatation in the Medical and Forensic Veterinary Clinic II of the Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen. In 13 cases (41%) dilatation and dislocation--without or with torsion (along a longitudinal axis, round to the left)--of the cecum, with dilatation of the proximal loop of the colon was diagnosed. In 3 cases (9%) dilatation, dislocation and torsion (along a longitudinal axis, round to the left) of the cecum without dilatation of the proximal loop was found. In 6 cases (19%) dilatation and dislocation of the cecum with dilatation, dislocation and torsion of the proximal loop of the colon (along a longitudinal axis) to the left, and in 10 cases (31%) dilatation and dislocation of the cecum with dilatation, dislocation and torsion of the proximal loop of the colon (along a longitudinal axis) to the right, was observed. By lining up single findings, models are presented how torsion of the cecum to the left, and torsion of the proximal loop of the colon to the left or to the right may develop.

Diets high in n-3 fatty acids reduce cecal lesion scores in chickens infected with Eimeria tenella

Four experiments were run in which diets incorporating various levels of n-3 fatty acids (n-3FA) from fish (menhaden) oil or flax seed were tested for their abilities to reduce the severity of Eimeria tenella infections in young broiler chicks. The diets were fed from 1 d of age through 3 wk of age. Chickens were infected at 2 wk of age. Diets consisting of broiler starter ration supplemented with 2.5 to 10% fish oil, 10% flax seed oil, or 10% linseed oil significantly decreased cecal lesions and maintained weight gains as compared to unsupplemented diets. Light micrographs of ceca from chickens that consumed high n-3FA diets showed reduced parasite invasion and development. Short-term feeding of diets high in n-3FA to young chicks may be a practical method for reducing production losses from cecal coccidiosis.

Caecal impaction in a dog

A seven-year-old, intact male dobermann with a four-week history of anorexia was diagnosed as having impaction of the caecum with inspissated faeces. Radiographic and histopathological findings revealed impaction of the caecum and a mild subacute locally extensive typhlitis. Typhlectomy was curative and no further problems have been reported.

Use of antibiotics to prevent hepatitis and typhlitis in male scid mice spontaneously infected with Helicobacter hepaticus

The use of antibiotic combinations to prevent acute and progressive chronic hepatitis and proliferative typhlitis associated with Helicobacter hepaticus infection in male scid/NCr mice was evaluated. The drug combinations used were amoxicillin-metronidazole-bismuth, tetracycline-metronidazole-bismuth, amoxicillin-neomycin, neomycin alone, and amoxicillin alone. Treatments were administered per os for 14 days beginning at 4 weeks of age. All mice remained clinically normal throughout the study. Specimens from mice were evaluated histologically at 21, 60, 90, and 120 days after initiation of the antibiotic treatments. Results of histologic examination and use of special stains indicated that the antibiotic regimens containing amoxicillin prevented progressive chronic hepatitis and typhlitis. Helical bacteria were not observed histologically in the liver or cecum of amoxicillin-treated mice. Helical bacteria were observed in the liver and cecum of untreated mice and in the cecum of mice treated with antibiotic regimens not containing amoxicillin. Untreated mice and those treated with amoxicillin were evaluated by culture for presence of H. hepaticus at 60 and 90 days and by polymerase chain reaction at 90 days after initiation of the antibiotic treatment. All untreated mice were test-positive by fecal/cecal culture, and three of five were positive by polymerase chain reaction. All mice treated with amoxicillin were negative for H. hepaticus by results of culture and polymerase chain reaction. The oral administration of amoxicillin to young scid mice via the drinking water prevents hepatitis and typhlitis caused by H. hepaticus.

[Acute diarrhea in horses with special regard to salmonellosis and typhlocolitis]

Casuistics of 200 patients with acute diarrhea (72 horses with salmonellosis, 55 horses with typhlocolitis, 73 horses with unspecific diarrhea) have been analyzed. It was shown, that horses with salmonellosis have been fallen ill with a primary disease for a longer period of time before the beginning of diarrhea than those with typhlocolitis and that in cases of salmonellosis antibiotics very often were used during the preliminary treatment. Frequently a primary illness of the colon was seen with typhlocolitis. Besides the frequent use of butylscopolamin during the pretreatment was noticed. The clinical and laboratory parameters showed many differences between the three groups of patients as well as a dependency on the course of healing. Particularly it was important, that horses with salmonellosis had fever and a leukopenia at the beginning of diarrhea, while in horses with typhlocolitis a leukopenia without fever at the beginning of diarrhea was seen, whereas fever only appeared a few days later in moribund patients. Finally an evaluation of the therapies was carried out.

Comparative studies on the efficacy of sulphachlorpyrazine and toltrazuril for the treatment of caecal coccidiosis in chickens

The therapeutic efficacy of sulphachlorpyrazine and toltrazuril against experimentally induced Eimeria tenella infection was compared in battery and floor pen raised broiler chickens. In the battery studies, both drugs prevented coccidiosis-related mortality and decrease of weight gain to a similar degree, but toltrazuril was more effective in reducing intestinal lesions and faecal scores, when treatments were initiated 24 h postinfection. When medication was delayed until 72 h after inoculation, the sulphonamide proved to be more effective in preventing reduction of weight gain and intestinal lesions caused by the parasites. Under simulated use conditions both drugs showed an appropriate anticoccidial efficacy without major differences between them.

Partial typhlectomy and ileocolostomy for treatment of nonreducible cecocolic intussusception in a horse

Cecocolic intussusception was detected in a 2-year-old male Standardbred horse with a 3-day history of signs of intermittent colic. The entire cecum, which was located within the lumen of the right ventral colon, was edematous and necrotic, and could not be manually reduced. A colotomy was made, and partial typhlectomy was performed. An ileocolostomy also was performed. To prevent eversion of the cecal base, the site of invagination into the colon was oversewn. Several postoperative complications were treated, including peritonitis, thrombophlebitis, anemia, and hypoproteinemia, and 1 year after surgery, the horse was healthy and in training.

Stapled typhlectomy via colotomy for treatment of cecal inversion in a dog

A 13-year-old Weimaraner was examined because of chronic diarrhea, hematochezia, and moderate weight loss. Cecal inversion was diagnosed by use of colonoscopy. Exploratory surgery was performed, and the inverted cecum was exteriorized through a colotomy. Typhlectomy was performed by use of a stapling instrument that formed a full-thickness division of the cecum with a double row of staples on each side. This stapling technique provides a rapid, reliable method for treatment of cecal inversion when the cecum cannot be reduced manually.

Single intraoperative administration of antibiotic to cows with caecal torsion: wound infection and postoperative performance. A retrospective and prospective study

Wound infection and postoperative performance after a single intra-abdominal administration of 9 g sodium ampicillin in cows operated on for caecal dilatation or torsion (n = 33) were evaluated. In the 25 animals that left the clinic in good health (76% short-term survival), no wound infection occurred. Postoperative performance was normal in 21 of these animals (84%). The figures for short-term survival and postoperative performance are comparable to those from a retrospective study of 169 animals operated on between 1985 and 1990. Single intra-abdominal administration of sodium ampicillin during surgery provides good protection against infection without negative effects on the postoperative performance.

Retrospective analysis of the results of 151 exploratory laparotomies in horses with gastrointestinal disease

Of 149 horses that underwent 151 exploratory laparotomies for gastrointestinal disorders from September 1987 to May 1991, 107 (72%) were discharged from the hospital: 100 (66%) survived for > 7 months, 94 of which returned to their intended use. Survival rate (64/80) for horses with caecum/large colon obstruction was significantly (P = 0.003) higher than for horses with small intestinal obstruction (33/64). Prolonged surgery was associated with significantly (P < 0.001) lower survival rates than short surgical time. In the large intestine, survival rate (15/29) for strangulated obstructions was significantly (P < 0.001) lower than for simple obstructions (52/58). Generalised septic peritonitis (9 horses) and bowel obstruction associated with adhesions (8 horses) were the most frequent fatal post-operative complications. The rate (6/44) of post-operative adhesions after small intestinal obstruction was significantly (P = 0.006) higher than that (2/68) following large intestinal obstruction. The rate (8/55) of post-operative adhesion formation in horses that required enterotomy/enterectomy was significantly (P = 0.003) higher than that (0/57) in horses that did not require gut wall incisions. Incisional suppuration developed in 42 horses and occurred with a significantly (P = 0.028) higher rate (32/72) after caecum/large colon lesions than after obstruction at other sites, (10/42) but was not associated with known contamination at the time of surgery (P = 0.806).

Cecal-colic volvulus in two dogs

Cecal-colic volvulus was confirmed by surgery in two dogs. Both dogs were intact, male Great Danes. The clinical and diagnostic findings were not specific for large bowel volvulus. Clinical signs included peracute to acute onset of vomiting, mild abdominal distention and pain, lack of feces, and tenesmus. Abdominal radiographs demonstrated severe dilatation of bowel loops in both dogs. One dog survived.

Are tapeworms associated with equine colic? A case control study

Faeces samples from 116 horses with colic and 115 non-colic cases were assayed by a centrifugation/floatation method for the presence of tapeworm eggs. Analysis of these data failed to demonstrate an association between tapeworm infection and colic of all types. The data were further analysed according to anatomical site of the lesion causing colic. The risk of ileocaecal colic was increased in the presence of tapeworms. Age, breed and sex were evaluated as possible confounding factors but had no association with the incidence of colic. This study suggests an association between tapeworms and colic of ileocaecal origin.

[Skin problems, edema and diarrhea in a yearling stallion. Symptoms of a cecum-in-colon invagination?]

A Dutch Warmblood yearling stallion was referred for skin lesions, oedema and diarrhoea. At rectal palpation a cecocolonic intussusception was diagnosed, that might have been present for at least one week. A short literature review of cecocolonic intussusception is given.