[South American camelids in Switzerland. I. Population, management and health problems]

At the beginning of 2000, a population of 1622 South American camelids in 257 herds was living in Switzerland. The origin of the animals, their age, the management systems, their feeding habits, their use as well as the observed medical conditions and the indications for treatment were assessed with a questionnaire. Results of this study show that 60% of the South American camelid population in Switzerland consisted of llamas (999 animals) and 40% of alpacas (623), and that females younger than 4 years of age made up the majority of the animals. South American camelids were predominantly kept for hobby, breeding or trekking. The most frequent health problems were related to the digestive tract, the skin, the eyes and the metabolism. Veterinarians were consulted for deworming, vaccinations, castrations or obstetric interventions. The parasitological examination of 204 fecal samples showed that llamas and alpacas were infested with the same endoparasites as ruminants (i.e. nematodes, trematodes and protozoas).

[South American camelids in Switzerland. II. Reference values for blood parameters]

In order to establish reference values for blood parameters of South American camelids in Switzerland, 273 blood samples were collected from 141 llamas and 132 alpacas. These animals were classified in three categories (young animals < six months, adult females and males). Forty-one parameters were measured (red blood cell count, white blood cell count, electrolytes, metabolites and enzymes). Significant differences between llamas and alpacas were evident for 26 parameters. This study also showed that differences between young animals, females and males must be taken into consideration. A comparison of blood values with the results of fecal analysis for parasite eggs showed that an infestation with Dicrocoelium dendriticum was associated with elevated activity of two liver enzymes (GLDH and gamma-GT) in the serum. In contrast, no differences were found in the results of blood analyses between animals shedding eggs of gastrointestinal strongyles or not.

Evaluation of biochemical methods for estimating the sodium intake of dairy cows

Samples of blood and urine were taken from 334 dairy cows in 29 herds, and the concentrations of sodium and potassium were measured in the serum and urine. The herds were split into five groups according to the amount of supplementary salt they were given: three groups given 10 to 20, 30 to 50 or 70 to 100 g salt per day, and two groups fed an ad libitum supply, given either in bowls or in the form of salt blocks, which were replaced either regularly or irregularly. The groups which received 70 to 100 g of salt daily or were supplied regularly ad libitum had significantly higher urinary sodium concentrations than the other groups. The group receiving 10 to 20 g a day had a significantly higher ratio of potassium:sodium in their urine than all the other groups, in which the ratio decreased as the level of supplementary salt increased. There were wider differences between the groups in terms of the urinary potassium:sodium ratio than in terms of the urinary sodium concentration but less variability within each group.

[Pneumonia in calves: characterization of the bacterial spectrum and the resistance patterns to antimicrobial drugs]

The population under study included young calves with pneumonia (group A, n = 13) and their controls (group B, n = 9), as well as older calves from which the lungs with (group C, n = 90) or without (group D, n = 10) lesions were collected after slaughter. Arcanobacterium pyogenes was the organism most commonly isolated from calves in group A (46%), followed by Haemophilus somnus (23%), Mannheimia haemolytica (15%), Streptococcus suis and Pasteurella multocida (7.7% each). Only S. suis (22%) and P. multocida (11%) were found in group B. P. multocida was isolated from 32% group C calves, H. somnus from 11%, A. pyogenes from 7.8%, M. haemolytica from 2.2% and S. suis from 1.1%. No specific pathogens were isolated in group D. Prevalence of Mycoplasma bovis infection was 69% in group A and 37% in group C. Ninety-eight strains were tested for resistAnce to antibiotics. Resistance to penicillin and ampicillin was present only in M. haemolytica (46%). High percentages of resistant strains were observed for streptomycin (48-100%), tetracycline (15-43%), sulfonamides alone (14-100%) or in combination with trimethoprim (0-100%). Therapeutic approaches to bacterial calf pneumonia in the area under study should be modified according to the isolated bacterial population, the observed antimicrobial resistances and the growing importance of Mycoplasma bovis.

[Investigations on renal excretion of sodium in dairy cattle]

Serum and urine were taken from healthy dairy cattle from 22 different farms. 214 animals belonged to the Swiss Brown breed and 210 were crossbreds of Simmental-Red Holstein. The animals were given at least 70 g of sodium chloride with their daily feed ration. On 6 farms sodium chloride was offered ad libitum in form of licks, which was presumed to be sufficient for covering their needs. Concentrations of sodium (UR Na), potassium (UR K) and creatinine were analyzed from serum and urine and fractional excretion of Na and K was calculated. Concentrations of sodium and potassium in urine from all cows (mean +/- sd) was 60.9 +/- 44.7 mmol/l and 370.7 +/- 66.9 mmol/l respectively. The FE values were 0.954 +/- 0.939% for sodium and 173.1 +/- 54% for potassium. In 5.5% of the animals values for UR Na < 10 mmol/l were found. There were no significant differences, however, were found in sodium and potassium excretion among farms. Urine samples of at least 10 animals should be analyzed in order to have a reliable estimation of the supply with sodium chloride within a herd. Our results do not support the hypothesis that low sodium excretion would be a predisposing factor for Bovine Dilative Cardiomyopathy in Simmental-Red Holstein cattle.

Evidence for autosomal recessive inheritance of a major gene for bovine dilated cardiomyopathy

The objective of this study was to establish the mode of inheritance of bovine dilated cardiomyopathy (BDCMP). We analyzed a pedigree comprising 75 animals in three age classes and five diagnostic classes based on clinical and pathological findings using the Pedigree Analysis Package. Segregation analyses were performed under three models, a major gene model, a mixed model, and an environment model. Under each model three data sets were analyzed. In the first data set, only animals with clinically manifested BDCMP were considered affected; in the second data set, animals with no clinical findings but with strong pathological evidence were included in the group of affected animals; and in the third data set, this group was extended to include animals that were suspected of having BDCMP. For all three data sets, a recessive allele at a single biallelic major locus controlling the underlying liability fitted the data best. Based on Akaike's information criterion, the major gene model was the most efficient model in all data sets. We conclude that a single biallelic major locus is likely responsible for the disease.

[Case presentation: bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD) in Switzerland]

Bovine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (BLAD) Syndrome is a lethal congenital immunodeficiency caused by the strong reduction in the expression of leukocyte integrins (beta 2 integrins) on the surface of leukocytes. Therefore, neutrophils from BLAD animals lack the capacity to adhere to the endothelium, a necessary step in their emigration into foci of infection. Due to the virtual absence of neutrophil-mediated host defense, animals suffer from recurrent infection of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and finally succumb to infections. A 14 days old Holstein-Friesian calf showing omphalophlebitis and leukocytosis, was referred to our clinic. It was found to suffer from several febrile episodes of infection. The tentative diagnosis BLAD could be confirmed for the first time in Switzerland by flow cytometry, pedigree analysis and by restriction fragment length polymorphism.

[Surgical treatment of carpal hygroma in cattle: 17 cases (1990-1994)]

This retrospective study describes the case reports of 17 cattle suffering from precarpal hygroma, admitted to the clinic for food animals and horses, University of Berne, between 1990 and 1994. The following criteria were evaluated: sex, age, and bodyweight, case history, clinical findings at admission, surgical technique, aftercare, and short- and long-term results. The hygroma was congenital in 3 cases and acquired at the age of 2 to 84 months in 14 cases. Characteristic clinical findings at admission were a non painful, fluctuating, well delineated swelling of the precarpal area with a maximal diameter of 6 to 20 cm, which did not provoke any lameness. Treatment consisted of surgical excision of the bursa. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia with the animal in lateral recumbency and the affected limb positioned uppermost. After placing a tourniquet proximal to the carpal joint, routine preparation and draping of the surgical field, the bursa was resected completely, a penrose drain introduced, and primary wound closure attempted. Aftercare consisted of parenteral antimicrobial treatment and immobilisation of the affected limb with a full-limb splint bandage to prevent wound dehiscence and seroma formation. Primary wound healing was achieved in all cases. At the time of long-term follow-up evaluation, 4 to 48 months after surgery, telephone conversation with the owners revealed uncomplicated healing in 16 cases. In one case, recurrence of the hygroma had occurred a few weeks after surgical excision had been performed.

[Cerebral listeriosis in cattle: literature review and retrospective analysis of individual cases]

Between 1990 and 1994, 89 cattle with signs of affection of the central nervous system were referred to the Clinic for Food Animals and Horses, University of Bern; in 17 cases of which, cerebral listeriosis was diagnosed. History, clinical, hematologic findings and cerebrospinal fluid analysis at admission were evaluated retrospectively. Four cattle were slaughtered after cerebral listeriosis had been diagnosed clinically because of economic reasons. Therapy, consisting of administration of penicillin (i.m./i.v.), intravenous fluids (including bicarbonate replacement), and oral fluids and rumen juice was initiated in the remaining 13 cases. Five of the 13 cattle were refractory to treatment and had to be euthanatized, one to two days after initiation of therapy. Clinical diagnosis of cerebral listeriosis was confirmed by histological examination of brain stem tissue in all nine cattle that were slaughtered or euthanatized; however, Listeria monocytogenes was isolated by standard culturing of brain stem tissue in two of these cases only. Eight to 62 months after discharge from the clinic, telephone interview with the owners of the surviving animals revealed that recovery had been uneventful and satisfactory in all of the eight cases.

[Follow-up studies of resections of claws in cattle]

Between 1980 and 1991 205 partial resections on claws of cattle have been performed at our clinic, 111 of these cases could be included in a retrospective study. In 57.5% of these cases parts of the third phalange had to be resected (group 1), in 14.2% parts of the third phalange and the deep flexor tendon had to be removed (group 2); in 28.3% also the distal sesamoid bone and/or other structures were affected (group 3). The average duration of treatment (mean +/- s) was 6.9 +/- 4.5 weeks for group 1, 6.5 +/- 1.9 weeks and 9.3 +/- 3.9 weeks for group 2 and 3, respectively. There was a highly significant difference between the means of group 1 and 3 and a significant difference between group 2 and 3. Of 103 animals which were provided for pasturing 44.7% could meet this requirement not at all or only with limitations. This was true for 66.7% of animals of group 2 and 58.2% of animals of group 3. 84.5% of 84 animals, which could be evaluated in this respect, the normal milk production was regained after treatment. At the time the retrospective study was performed, 13 of the animals still were alive. The average survival time (mean +/- s) after surgical treatment of 74 animals, for which the date of slaughter was available, was 22.0 +/- 21.8 months. Recurring lameness from the treated or another leg was the reason for salvaging in 39.2% of the animals. A comparison with results of an earlier retrospective study of our clinic, dealing with cattle after amputation to the toe revealed that with the exception of cases with a well deliminated zone of necrosis in the third phalange for economical reasons the toe amputation should be performed rather than a partial resection. For cases, where slaughter would be the only alternative to the resection, this method can well be recommended.

Increased concentrations of transferrin in the urine and serum of cattle with cardiomyopathy

Bovine cardiomyopathy affects adult cattle of the Simmental/red Holstein and Holstein-Friesian breeds and is characterised clinically by signs of congestive heart failure. Animals with cardiomyopathy suffered a marked renal loss of transferrin (Tf). The urinary concentration of Tf discriminated very well between healthy and affected cattle, 93 per cent of the affected and 97 per cent of the healthy cows being identified correctly. In spite of the severe liver congestion and renal loss of Tf, cattle with cardiomyopathy had considerably higher concentrations of serum Tf than healthy cattle. This increase may help to compensate for the low serum concentration of iron in the affected animals. The pronounced changes in the concentrations of iron and transferrin in the serum had little effect on the haemogram of the diseased animals.

Effect of bethanechol, neostigmine, metoclopramide, and propranolol on myoelectric activity of the ileocecocolic area in cows

The effect of bethanechol, neostigmine, metoclopramide, and propranolol on myoelectric activity of the ileum, cecum, and proximal loop of the ascending colon was determined in 6 healthy Jersey cows implanted with 8 pairs of bipolar electrodes. Assigned at random, each cow received each of 5 treatments in 3-day intervals. The treatments included bethanechol (0.07 mg/kg of body weight, SC), neostigmine (0.02 mg/kg, SC), metoclopramide (0.15 mg/kg, IM), DL-propranolol (0.2 mg/kg, IM), and 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution (20 ml, SC). All drugs were administered during early phase I of the migrating myoelectric complex in the ileum. Myoelectric activity was recorded for 4 hours after treatment, and data were analyzed for each hour separately. Bethanechol and neostigmine significantly (P < 0.05) increased the number of cecocolic spikes per minute per electrode, duration of cecocolic spike activity (%), and number of cecocolic propagated spike sequences per 10 minutes, relative to NaCl, during 1 or more hours of the recording period. The effect of bethanechol was more pronounced on duration of spike activity and number of propagated spike sequences, whereas neostigmine mainly increased the number of (uncoordinated) spikes. Metoclopramide and propranolol had no significant effect on cecocolic myoelectric activity, relative to NaCl. It was concluded that bethanechol and, less likely, neostigmine at the dosage used in this study may be suitable for medical treatment of cecal dilatation in cattle in which hypomotility of the cecum and proximal loop of the ascending colon has to be reversed. The potential advantage of bethanechol vs neostigmine for medical treatment of cecal dilatation is worth further evaluation.

[Effectiveness of local treatment using a PVP-iodine compound for retained placenta in cows]

106 cattle with retained placenta were treated either with Vetisept-bolus or Tetran-bolus (controls) after an attempt to remove fetal membranes. Uterine involution judged by rectal palpation on the 28th day was the same in both groups, but more treatments were necessary for cows of the experimental group. Cows treated with Vetisept came in heat nine days earlier than controls (p < 0.05). The pregnancy rate of the controls (91.6%) was better (p < 0.05) than in the experimental group (60.7%). No significant differences between the two groups were encountered for pregnancy index, total index, and service period. Of 82 cows after single calving 50 got pregnant again. In 18 of the remaining cattle another pregnancy was not attempted. The other 14 were bred but did not conceive. Treatment with tetracycline seems to be slightly superior and safer than the treatment with PVP-iodine. It is uncertain, whether the higher (p < 0.05) losses of animals in the experimental group than in the controls is due to the different treatment, for most of the cows had been slaughtered because of insufficient milk production. Therapy with iodine is a recommended alternative to the treatment with tracycline for certain indications.

[Diaphyseal sequestration of the hollow bones in cattle]

Between 1990 and 1993 ten cows with diaphyseal sequestration of the metacarpal or metatarsal bone were brought to the Clinic for Food Animals and Horses, University of Bern. History, clinical and radiographic findings at admission, therapy, and clinical and radiographic short- and longterm results were evaluated retrospectively. Six animals had a history of trauma. The metatarsal bone (n = 9) was much more frequently affected than the metacarpal bone (n = 1). Lameness was slight in seven cases and intermediate in three cases. Soft tissue swelling was present in all cases, and fistula formation in eight cases. Sequestrectomy was performed in nine cases, the exuberant new bone circumferentially removed in three of these cases, and the skin primarily closed in all nine cases treated surgically. One animal with a small sequestrum, showing no fistula formation, was treated conservatively. Four to 44 months after surgery, interviews with the owners by telephone revealed that the recovery had been satisfactory in all ten cases. At the same time period, clinical and radiographic examinations of the six animals that were still alive were performed by a veterinarian additionally. Normal limb function had been restored in all six animals, although the affected limb was clearly distinctable from the unaffected contralateral limb, because of its increased diameter. From the results of this study we concluded that longterm prognosis after sequestrectomy is favourable; primary wound closure can be attempted with good success. Cosmetically promising results, however, can only be achieved, if sequestrectomy is performed early enough in the course of the disease or if the exuberant new bone is surgically removed.

Diagnosis of bovine cardiomyopathy by electrolyte and protein analysis

The intention of this paper was to describe a reliable method for the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy (CMP) in adult cattle and, in particular, a clear distinction between CMP and inflammatory heart disease (IHD). In a first study we performed a linear discriminant analysis using serum and urine electrolyte concentrations (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, iron, creatinine) of 33 CMP-affected and 35 healthy cattle. This analysis allowed to classify all the animals of both animal groups correctly. In a second study, we examined the clotting reaction of the glutaraldehyde coagulation test (GCT) in cardiomyopathy (n = 49), inflammatory heart diseases (n = 9) and in healthy cows (n = 35). 96% of the CMP-sick and all the control animals showed a clotting time above 10 minutes. In the IHD group, the clotting time was always below 10 minutes. In a third study, we applied the combination of discriminant analysis and GCT to a new set of CMP- (n = 14) and IHD-affected (n = 9) as well as to healthy cattle (n = 15). The classification was correct in 93% of the CMP-sick and in all the IHD-affected and the control animals. The results are discussed.

Urinary protein analysis in cardiomyopathy-affected and healthy cattle by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Urinary proteins of cardiomyopathy (CMP)-affected (n = 31) and of healthy cattle (n = 35) were analyzed by a combination of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver stain. The following results were obtained: 1) Out of the various urinary proteins found in CMP-affected and healthy cattle, IgG, Tf, Alb, alpha 1-acid GP, Apo A1, IgG heavy and light chain could be identified. 2) In CMP-affected cattle, all the proteins mentioned above were detected in increased amounts in the urine. The quantities of Alb, Tf, and IgG were especially large. 3) In the case of CMP, the permeability of the glomerular filter was highly increased for large serum proteins. The tubular protein reabsorption of small proteins was less altered by the disease. 4) Although the electrophoretic pattern of the urinary proteins was abnormal in all the examined CMP-affected animals, the urinary protein concentrations were increased (> 230 mg/l) in only 42% of the cases. Consequently, the urinary protein concentration is not a reliable parameter for detecting renal diseases. 5) For both CMP-affected and healthy cattle the urinary protein pattern depended neither on the urine sampling technique (catheterization, spontaneous urine) nor on the reproductive stage.

[Chronic interstitial nephritis in cattle with cardiomyopathy]

We tried to characterize the chronic interstitial nephritis as it occurs in bovine cardiomyopathy (CMP). For that reason conventional analysis methods were applied to urine of healthy and CMP-diseased cattle. With all the sick animals used for this study a nephritis of the mentioned type was diagnosed pathologically. By discriminant analysis of our data we were able to show, that the chronic interstitial nephritis due to CMP was best described by the variables protein (precipitation by heat), renal epithelial cells and leukocytes. In 73% of all the affected cattle one or more variables were changed pathologically to a minor to moderate degree. In the remaining 27% they were within the normal range. A possible microhematuria was secondary. Using identification analysis all the healthy animals and 69% of the diseased ones were made out correctly. As a consequence of this study we conclude, that further methods are necessary in order to recognize the different forms of nephritis more reliably.

[Cardiac and circulatory physiological studies in cattle with and without cardiomyopathy]

Cardiovascular examinations were performed on 29 Red-Holstein-Simmental cows, suffering from cardiomyopathy. We compared the results with those from 18 healthy animals. The cows with cardiomyopathy showed a higher heart rate, a higher and broader P-wave, a prolongation of the electric systole in relation to the RR-Intervall, an increased systolic and diastolic pressure in the right ventricle and in the pulmonary artery, a higher peak pressure rise in the right ventricle and a lower peak pressure rise in the left ventricle with lower systolic and higher diastolic pressure. A lower oxygen content in the right-ventricular blood and lower carbon dioxide content in the left-ventricular blood of the sick cows may be due to a longer circulation time. The observed pulmonary hypertension is probably the result of the left heart insufficiency and is being discussed with regard of the histopathological alterations in the heart muscle and the pulmonary vessels. Possible reasons for the cardiomyopathy are described and evaluated.