Investigation of cytokine levels in calves with sepsis

This study aimed to detect changes in clinical parameters, biochemical and serum cytokine levels in calves with sepsis. In the study, 34 calves diagnosed with sepsis according to clinical and laboratory results and 7 calves deemed to be healthy according to clinical and laboratory results were used. The blood sample was taken from vena jugularis for determination of hematological, biochemical, and cytokine levels. Significant changes were observed in the clinical parameters of calves with sepsis. Serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and INF-γ were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in calves with sepsis compared to the control group. Also, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum BUN, creatinine, CK, and CK-MB levels and a significant decrease in TP level (p < 0.05) were determined in calves with sepsis compared to the control group.In conclusion, it was concluded that varying degrees of tissue/organ damage developed in calves with sepsis and cytokines played an important role in the development of inflammatory damage during sepsis.

Effect of combinations of intravenous small-volume hypertonic sodium chloride, acetate Ringer, sodium bicarbonate, and lactate Ringer solutions along with oral fluid on the treatment of calf diarrhea

The aim of this study was to compare effect of combinations of intravenous isotonic sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), acetate Ringer, lactate Ringer and small-volume hypertonic sodium chloride (NaCI) solutions along with oral electrolyte solutions (OES) on the treatment of neonatal calf diarrhea with moderate dehydration and metabolic acidosis. Thirty-two calves with diarrhea were used in the study. Calves were randomly assigned to receive acetate Ringer solution (n=8), lactate Ringer solution (n=8), isotonic NaHCO3 (n=8) and 7.2% saline solutions (n=8), and two liters of OES were administrated to all calves orally at the end of intravenous administration. Blood samples for blood gas and biochemical analyses were collected at 0 hours and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours intervals. All the calves had mild to moderate metabolic acidosis on admission. Increased plasma volume and sodium concentration, but decreased serum total protein were observed within 0.5 hours following administration of hypertonic 7.2% NaCI + OES, compared to other 3 groups. In conclusion, administration of intravenous hypertonic 7.2% NaCI solution in small volume along with OES provided fast and effective improvement of dehydration and acid-base abnormalities within short time in treatment of calf diarrhea with moderate dehydration and metabolic acidosis.

Clinical importance of lipid profile in neonatal calves with sepsis

In this study, it was aimed to determine of diagnostic importance blood lipid levels in neonatal calves with sepsis. The study was carried out on a total of 70 calves, 60 with sepsis and 10 healthy calves. The calves with sepsis were included in the study, according to clinical and hematological findings.  After routine clinical examinations of all the calves, blood samples were taken from the V. jugularis for hematological, lipid profile and biochemical analyzes. There were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in body temperature, increased in respiration rate and capillary refill time in the calves with sepsis, compared to control group calves. The levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine concentrations of calves with sepsis were significantly higher (P < 0.05), however, levels of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and albumin concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than control group. In addition, blood triglyceride and VLDL concentrations of calves with sepsis were higher than control group, however there was no statistical difference.In conclusion, serum total cholesterol, HDL and LDL in neonatal calves with sepsis could be used in evaluation of the sepsis.

Serum amyloid A and haptoglobin concentrations and liver fat percentage in lactating dairy cows with abomasal displacement

BACKGROUND

There has been increased interest in measuring the serum concentration of acute phase reactants such as serum amyloid A [SAA] and haptoglobin [haptoglobin] in periparturient cattle in order to provide a method for detecting the presence of inflammation or bacterial infection.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether [SAA] and [haptoglobin] are increased in cows with displaced abomasum as compared with healthy dairy cows.

ANIMALS

Fifty-four adult dairy cows in early lactation that had left displaced abomasum (LDA, n = 34), right displaced abomasum or abomasal volvulus (RDA/AV, n = 11), or were healthy on physical examination (control, n = 9).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Inflammatory diseases or bacterial infections such as mastitis, metritis, or pneumonia were not clinically apparent in any animal. Jugular venous blood was obtained from all cows and analyzed. Liver samples were obtained by biopsy in cattle with abomasal displacement.

RESULTS

[SAA] and [haptoglobin] concentrations were increased in cows with LDA or RDA/AV as compared with healthy controls. Cows with displaced abomasum had mild to moderate hepatic lipidosis, based on liver fat percentages of 9.3 +/- 5.3% (mean +/- SD, LDA) and 10.8 +/- 7.7% (RDA/AV). [SAA] and [haptoglobin] were most strongly associated with liver fat percentage, r(s) = +0.55 (P < .0001) and r(s) = +0.42 (P = .0041), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

An increase in [SAA] or [haptoglobin] in postparturient dairy cows with LDA or RDA/AV is not specific for inflammation or bacterial infection. An increase in [SAA] or [haptoglobin] may indicate the presence of hepatic lipidosis in cattle with abomasal displacement.