Validierung anamnestischer Angaben und ausgewählter klinischer Befunde im Hinblick auf Endokarditis beim Rind

Gegenstand und Ziel: Ziel dieser retrospektiven Arbeit war die Prüfung der diagnostischen Validität verschiedener anamnestischer Angaben und klinischer Befunde im Hinblick auf Endokarditis (EK). Material und Methoden: Zur Auswertung gelangten 958 Klinikkarten der Patienten der Klinik für Wiederkäuer aus den Jahren 1997–2004. Die Tiere wurden aufgrund ihres Herzbefundes, der sich aus der klinischen Untersuchung ergab (Herzgeräusch oder kein Herzgeräusch) und aufgrund des Sektionsbefundes (EK oder keine EK) in vier Gruppen eingeteilt. Ergebnisse: Zwischen den an EK erkrankten und nicht erkrankten Tieren bestanden signifikante Unterschiede hinsichtlich Ernährungszustand, Verhalten, Jugularvenen- und Herzbefunden. Außerdem litten EK-Patienten häufiger an Gliedmaßenproblemen. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Aus dem Vorbericht, den Ergebnissen der klinischen Untersuchung sowie den hämatologischen und klinisch-chemischen Befunden lässt sich der Verdacht auf eine Endokarditis zwar erhärten, aber die Sicherung der Diagnose ist nach wie vor in vielen Fällen der pathologischen Untersuchung vorbehalten.

[High incidence of jaundice in young calves in Southern Germany]

OBJECTIVE

Between September, 2010, and August, 2011, a series of cases of jaundice of unknown origin in young calves was detected in a number of farms in Southern Germany. This paper describes the syndrome on the basis of 57 cases, and the approach taken to discover the cause.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The clinical course of the disease is described in 19 patients. Using a case definition (calves aged 1-3 weeks, total serum bilirubin > 20 µmol/l and/or serum glutamate dehydrogenase [GLDH] activity >50U/l and/or autopsy findings with striking liver pathology [jaundice, liver dystrophy, cirrhosis]), 36 farms were included in an epidemiological survey. In a feeding trial, two batches of a dietary supplement feed, previously used in diseased calves on farms, were fed at the dosage recommendations of the manufacturer to four clinically healthy calves over 5days. Four other calves served as controls. The calves were clinically monitored daily, and blood samples were investigated using clinical chemistry and haematology.

RESULTS

Clinical examination revealed behavioural alterations (weakness, tonic-clonic seizures and bawling just before death), recumbency, jaundice and discolouration of faeces. In less severe cases without clinical signs, there was an increase in serum bilirubin concentration and/or GLDH activity. In the epidemiological survey of affected farms, the feeding of a diet supplement feed was registered in 54 of 57 cases. The feeding of two batches of that diet supplement feed to four clinically healthy calves resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in bilirubin and lactate concentrations, as well as the GLDH activity in serum, but without serious impairment of the general condition, whereas in control calves, no comparable changes were observed.

CONCLUSION

The results of the epidemiological survey and the feeding trial suggest a causal involvement of a dietary supplement feed. The toxic principle is unknown.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Knowledge of the clinical picture and the probable feed-related context is important to detect this disease early. The suspected dietary supplement feed has been taken off the market, but with other products similar problems may arise.

Importance of the effective strong ion difference of an intravenous solution in the treatment of diarrheic calves with naturally acquired acidemia and strong ion (metabolic) acidosis

BACKGROUND

The effect of sodium bicarbonate on acid-base balance in metabolic acidosis is interpreted differently by Henderson-Hasselbalch and strong ion acid-base approaches. Application of the traditional bicarbonate-centric approach indicates that bicarbonate administration corrects the metabolic acidosis by buffering hydrogen ions, whereas strong ion difference theory indicates that the co-administration of the strong cation sodium with a volatile buffer (bicarbonate) corrects the strong ion acidosis by increasing the strong ion difference (SID) in plasma.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relative importance of the effective SID of IV solutions in correcting acidemia in calves with diarrhea.

ANIMALS

Twenty-two Holstein-Friesian calves (4-21 days old) with naturally acquired diarrhea and strong ion (metabolic) acidosis.

METHODS

Calves were randomly assigned to IV treatment with a solution of sodium bicarbonate (1.4%) or sodium gluconate (3.26%). Fluids were administered over 4 hours and the effect on acid-base balance was determined.

RESULTS

Calves suffered from acidemia owing to moderate to strong ion acidosis arising from hyponatremia and hyper-D-lactatemia. Sodium bicarbonate infusion was effective in correcting the strong ion acidosis. In contrast, sodium gluconate infusion did not change blood pH, presumably because the strong anion gluconate was minimally metabolized.

CONCLUSIONS

A solution containing a high effective SID (sodium bicarbonate) is much more effective in alkalinizing diarrheic calves with strong ion acidosis than a solution with a low effective SID (sodium gluconate). Sodium gluconate is ineffective in correcting acidemia, which can be explained using traditional acid-base theory but requires a new parameter, effective SID, to be understood using the strong ion approach.

Häufung von Ikterus bei jungen Kälbern in Süddeutschland

Gegenstand: Zwischen September 2010 und August 2011 traten in süddeutschen Rinderbetrieben mehrere Fälle unklarer Hepatopathien bei jungen Kälbern auf. Beschrieben werden die Kasuistik von 57 Fällen und der beschrittene Weg zur Ursachenklärung. Material und Methoden: Der klinische Verlauf der Erkrankung wird anhand von 19 Patienten dargestellt. Eine epidemiologische Erhebung nach Falldefinition (Alter der Tiere 1–3 Wochen, Gesamtbilirubinkonzentration > 20 μmol/l und/oder Glutamatdehydrogenase-[GLDH-]Aktivität > 50 U/l und/oder auffälliger Leberbefund [Ikterus, Leberdystrophie, Leberzirrhose] in der Sektion) umfasste 36 Betriebe. In einem Fütterungsversuch wurden zwei Chargen eines zuvor in betroffenen Betrieben eingesetzten Diätergänzungsfuttermittels nach Herstellerangabe an vier klinisch gesunde Kälber über 5 Tage verfüttert. Vier weitere Kälber dienten als Kontrollen. Täglich erfolgte eine klinische, klinisch-chemische und hämatologische Untersuchung. Ergebnisse: Bei klinisch manifester Erkrankung treten Verhaltensauffälligkeiten (Mattigkeit, tonisch-klonische Krämpfe, Klagen kurz vor dem Verenden), Festliegen, Ikterus und auffällig heller Kot auf. In weniger stark ausgeprägten Fällen ohne klinische Symptomatik bestehen eine erhöhte Serum-Bilirubinkonzentration und/oder GLDH-Aktivität. Die Befragung in betroffenen Betrieben ergab in 54 von 57 Fällen als Gemeinsamkeit den Einsatz eines Diätergänzungsfuttermittels. Im Fütterungsversuch zeigten Versuchskälber eine signifikante (p < 0,05) Erhöhung von Bilirubin- und L-Laktat-Konzentration sowie GLDH-Aktivität im Serum ohne schwerwiegende Beeinträchtigung des Allgemeinbefindens. Bei den Kontrolltieren fehlten vergleichbare Veränderungen. Schlussfolgerung: Epidemiologische Erhebung und Fütterungsversuch deuten auf eine ursächliche Beteiligung eines Diätergänzungsfuttermittels hin. Das toxische Prinzip ist bisher unbekannt. Klinische Relevanz: Die Kenntnis des klinischen Bildes und der vermutlich fütterungsbedingten Zusammenhänge ist wichtig, um die Krankheit rechtzeitig zu erkennen. Das Diätergänzungsfuttermittel wurde vom Markt genommen, doch könnte die Verfütterung vergleichbar zusammen gesetzter Produkte ähnliche Krankheitserscheinungen hervorrufen.

Application of the glutaraldehyde test in cattle

In a cohort study involving 62 cows from an experimental farm, the kinetics of the glutaraldehyde test (GAT) according to Sandholm (1974) was examined by testing samples of EDTA blood, lithium heparinate blood, serum, and plasma taken at various intervals. Total protein was measured in serum, and fibrinogen was determined in plasma. Gamma globulin was measured by electrophoresis. All glutaraldehyde tests were performed in duplicates, and the relation of the two results was used as measurement of precision. Optimal cut-off of the GAT time was determined as the zenith of the sum of sensitivity and specificity of various intervals for detecting combinations of gamma globulin and fibrinogen levels above 32 g/l. Precision was the best in EDTA blood. The relation between coagulation time and gamma globulin plus fibrinogen is best described by an exponential curve. The maximum value for the sum of sensitivity and specificity was found at 7 and 8 min. Seven days was the shortest interval observed between a negative test result (>15 min) and a strongly positive test result (<3 min). Twenty-one days was the shortest interval observed between a strongly positive test result and a negative test result. EDTA blood should be used for the GAT. A cut-off of 8 min yields the highest efficiency. Test results must be viewed in light of clinical findings.

[The aetiology of generalized alopecia in young calves]

The objective of this study was to test for correlations between alopecia and ruminal drinking in young calves. 331 calves up to an age of 31 days were tested for evidence of generalized hair loss daily during their stay in the clinic. Incidence of diarrhoea and the results of ruminal fluid and blood analysis were compared between the groups with and without alopecia. Calves with alopecia showed a significantly higher incidence of diarrhoea and of ruminal acidosis persisting for at least 24 hours. Blood analysis revealed significant differences in degree of acidosis, in concentrations of D-lactate, urea, and creatinine in serum as well as in the activities of glutathione peroxidase, aspartate amino transferase, and creatine kinase. Alopecia in calves is correlated to longer periods of diseases, which are known to be accompanied by the production of D-lactate in the gastrointestinal tract, such as diarrhoea and ruminal drinking. The question, whether alopecia is due to formation of toxic substances or to deficiency of essential substances can not be answered.

Der angeborene Sehnenstelzfuß beim Kalb

Gegenstand und Ziel: Einleitend werden die sehr unterschiedlichen Überlegungen in der Literatur zur Ätiologie des angeborenen Sehnenstelzfußes (NMDC) des Kalbes beschrieben und diskutiert. In einer Feldstudie sollten die Inzidenz in landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben, Zusammenhänge mit dem Geburtsverlauf und die weitere Entwicklung betroffener Kälber untersucht werden. Material und Methoden: Innerhalb von 12 Monaten wurden ca. 70% aller neugeborenen Kälber aus 65 Betrieben (n = 1238) zwischen erstem und drittem Lebenstag hinsichtlich des Vorliegens einer NMDC untersucht. Kälber mit NMDC wurden wöchentlich kontrolliert, bis die Symptomatik verschwunden oder der Proband einer weiteren Untersuchung nicht mehr zugänglich war. Angaben über den Geburtsverlauf wurden erfragt. Ergebnisse: Bei 13,6% (n = 168) der untersuchten Kälber ließ sich eine NMDC feststellen (Grad I: 88,7%; Grad II: 11,3%; Grad III: 0%). In 90,5% der Fälle bestand die NMDC nur an den Vordergliedmaßen, bei 7,7% an Vorder- und Hintergliedmaßen und bei 1,8% nur an den Hintergliedmaßen. Männliche Tiere waren signifikant häufiger betroffen als weibliche und Kälber aus Zwillingsträchtigkeiten signifikant häufiger als Einlinge. In Hinterendlage geborene Kälber hatten signifikant häufiger eine NMDC als in Vorderendlage geborene. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Resultate sind mit der Vorstellung vereinbar, dass die Raumverhältnisse im Uterus bei der Entstehung der NMDC eine Rolle spielen. Bei knapp 90% der Tiere verschwand die Beugesehnenverkürzung ohne tierärztliche Behandlung. Klinische Relevanz: Die notwendigen Therapiemaßnahmen orientieren sich am Grad der NMDC. Geringgradige Verkrümmungen bedürfen keiner speziellen Behandlung. Die Therapieoptionen bei mittelgradig ausgeprägter NMDC (Aufkleben vorne überstehender Holzbrettchen auf die Klauensohlen, Stützverbände mit/ohne Tenotomie der Beugesehnen) werden detailliert beschrieben. Durch die Gabe von Oxytetracyclin (60 mg/kg KM, n = 10) ließ sich der Verlauf der NMDC nicht nachweislich beeinflussen.

Breed predisposition for BSE: epidemiological evidence in Bavarian cattle

We present epidemiological data from Bavaria that indicates that animals of the Brown Swiss (BS) cattle breed might be more susceptible to BSE than animals from other breeds, both in terms of disease prevalence and length of the incubation period. BS animals were disproportionately represented among the BSE cases (BS represented about 9% of the susceptible population but 27% of actual cases). BS were slaughtered at a higher age (5.8 years vs. 5.0 years for other breeds), and there is a higher prevalence of feeding proprietary feeds to BS calves than calves from other breeds. There was no difference in the recorded feeding practice of BSE-positive animals from BS or other breeds. These results would lead to expect a higher prevalence of BSE in the BS population, with BS BSE animals being of equal age or older than BSE animals from other breeds. In contrast, median age at BSE detection was significantly lower in BS animals than in other breeds (61.4 vs. 68.8 months). There was no difference in the identification categories of BSE between BS animals and animals of other breeds that could explain this difference in age. BS cattle are reported to have more octapeptid repeats in the prion protein gene than other breeds, which could account for shorter incubation periods and higher susceptibility. These observations suggest that BS animals and their tissues should be used in further studies into genetic determinants of BSE susceptibility in cattle.

Investigations of the potential risk factors associated with cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Bavaria, Germany

In order to identify the management and feeding practices that might have contributed to the occurrence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Bavaria, Germany, information from 110 dairy farms on which a case of BSE had been reported was compared with information derived from a questionnaire sent to approximately 10,000 Bavarian farms on which no case of BSE had been reported up to February 2003. Representative information was obtained from 4006 dairy farms. The results indicated that in comparison with these control farms a higher proportion of the BSE farms had also kept pigs or poultry, although the difference was not significant, and that a significantly higher proportion of the BSE farms had fed proprietary concentrates and/or milk replacers to their calves.

Investigations of D-lactate metabolism and the clinical signs of D-lactataemia in calves

Five clinically healthy calves received an intravenous injection of 25 g sodium D-lactate (223 mmol) in 100 ml sterile water and five control calves were given the same volume of 0.9 per cent sodium chloride. Two clinical examiners who were blinded to the status (test or control) of the calves observed that between eight and 40 minutes after the injections the calves that had received sodium-D-lactate could be distinguished with certainty from the control calves on the basis of their clinical signs, for example, an impaired palpebral reflex, somnolence and a staggering gait. One-compartment and two-compartment analyses of the changes in the plasma concentration of D-lactate, and its renal clearance, indicated that the calves metabolised considerable amounts of D-lactate.

d-Lactic Acidosis in Calves as a Consequence of Experimentally Induced Ruminal Acidosis

In order to test the hypothesis that ruminal drinking in calves can lead to D-lactic metabolic acidosis, ruminal acidosis was induced in nine calves by intraruminal application of untreated whole milk via a stomach tube. The amount of the daily force-fed liquid was 3 x 1 l. The experimental design called for an end of intraruminal applications if two or more of the following signs were observed: severe depression, estimated degree of dehydration >10%, absence of sucking reflex, lack of appetite for two consecutive feedings, severe metabolic acidosis with calculated Actual Base Excess (ABE) <-15 mmol/l. The procedure was scheduled to be discontinued on the 17th day of experiment. The onset of ruminal acidification occurred rapidly, and mean pH value fell from 6.70 (+/-0.48) to 4.90 (+/-0.38) after the first application. The following days the pH values varied between 4 and 5. Rumen acidity was characterized biochemically by a significant increase in both isomers of lactic acid. The effects of the intraruminal administration on the calves were detrimental; eight of nine calves showed an acute disease process. According to the pre-established clinical standard, seven of nine calves were removed from the intraruminal feeding schedule. All but one of the calves developed severe systemic acidosis. The increase in anion gap demonstrated the net acid load. In all the calves D-lactate levels were found to show a significant and rapid increase. On the contrary, L-lactate never deviated from physiological levels. These observations confirm that, in young calves as in adult cattle, ruminal acidosis may lead to a clinically manifested D-lactic metabolic acidosis.

[Clinical examination of cattle for BSE in a cattle facility and slaughterhouse]

Detection of a case of BSE in slaughtered cattle causes considerable expenses. It seems therefore desirable to screen cattle before slaughtering and exclude suspect animals from slaughter. The object of this study was to determine the practicability of such screening under realistic conditions in a large slaughterhouse and to evaluate the specificity of the tests proposed by BRAUN et al. (1997). 949 cattle over 24 months old were examined in the Munich slaughterhouse. Spontaneous behaviour and the reaction to tactile, acoustic, and optical stimuli only could be tested. The evaluation of locomotion was not possible without interference with the routine processing of cattle before slaughter. The examination took about three minutes per animal. The results were evaluated using a modification of the scheme of BRAUN et al. (1997). The specificity of the classification "BSE very likely" was 97.8%. If all animals that exhibit any signs suggestive of BSE were to be excluded, the specificity would drop to 63.7%. This pre-slaughter clinical screening is not useful.

Vorkommen von Antikörpern gegen das bovine Immunschwächevirus bei Rindern in Bayern

Im Rahmen einer epidemiologischen Untersuchung zur Infektion mit dem bovinen Immunschwächevirus (BIV) bei Rindern in Oberbayern erfolgten zwei Studien, in denen Serum mittels indirektem ELISA auf BIV-Antikörper untersucht wurde. Die ELISA-Ergebnisse der BIV-positiven Tiere der Studie I wurden mittels Western Blot bestätigt. In Studie I wurde Blut von 173 ungezielt ausgewählten Rinderpatienten der II. Medizinischen Tierklinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München untersucht. Von diesen waren acht Tiere BIV-infiziert. Das entspricht einer Prävalenz von 4,6%. Alle positiven Tiere waren über zwei Monate alt. In Studie II wurden 550 Kühe aus 11 oberbayerischen landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben untersucht. Hiervon waren 11 Tiere BIVAntikör-perpositiv. Dies entspricht einer Prävalenz von 2,0%. Die positiven Tiere stammten aus fünf Betrieben mit Boxenlaufstallhaltung. Kein Tier aus Betrieben mit Anbindehaltung war positiv. In Studie II lag das Durchschnittsalter der Kühe aus den Betrieben ohne BIV-infizierte Tiere signifikant höher als in den Betrieben mit BIV-infizierten Tieren. Die Prävalenz von BIV-Antikörpern war zwar unter den kranken Probanden aus Studie I signifikant höher als bei den klinisch unauffälligen Rindern der Studie II, die pathogene Bedeutung des BIV erscheint jedoch fraglich.

The relationship between milk yield and the incidence of some diseases in dairy cows

Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between milk yield and incidence of certain disorders. Lactations (n = 2197) of 1074 Holstein-Friesian cows from 10 dairies (25 to 146 cows per dairy) in Lower Saxony were studied. The 305-d yield from the previous and current lactations served as the standards for milk yield. Eight disorder complexes were considered: retained placenta, metritis, ovarian cysts, mastitis, claw diseases, milk fever, ketosis, and displaced abomasum. Each disorder complex was modeled separately. In addition to milk yield, the influences of the lactation number, the calving season and the other disorder complexes were examined with the "herd" factor taken into account. A correlation between retained placenta, mastitis, and milk fever to milk yield during the previous lactation was found to be probable and for ketosis and displaced abomasum such a correlation was found to be possible. A connection to the yield in the current lactation was shown for ovarian cysts, claw diseases, and milk fever. No relationship to milk yield existed for metritis. An influence of the lactation number was also demonstrated in various models. Single models allowed a demonstration of the influences of both milk yield and lactation number. Limitations of the model types are discussed.

[Electrolyte levels in feces and urine in healthy breeding calves between the ages of 5 days to 6 months]

In contrast to the situation in adult cattle there are high concentrations of sodium and low concentrations of potassium in the faeces of suckling calves. It was investigated in this study in which stage of the development of the ruminant these changes in electrolyte levels occur, and whether there are changes in electrolyte levels in urine as well. Samples of faeces and urine from healthy calves were examined fortnightly starting with the 5th day after birth. There was a distinct decrease in sodium concentration in faecal water within the first three weeks of life, i.e. without any relation to the intake of solid feed. However, the levels of sodium, potassium and chloride in urine samples and of potassium in faecal water increased with the development of rumination. The concentration of chloride in faeces was on a low level during the whole period of investigation.

[Investigations on the usefulness of the dry chemistry blood anaylsis system SPOTCHEM SP-4410in laboratory diagnosis of cattle]

The usefulness of the dry-chemistry blood analyzer, SPOTCHEM SP-4410, for analysis of bovine blood chemistry was studied in a veterinary clinic. The control serum Precipath-U, Boehringer-Mannheim, was used to measure precision within each run and between days. The coefficients of variation (CV) ranged between 1.54% and 4.86%, with the exception of albumin and creatine phosphokinase showing a CV of 6.3% and 10.03% for between-day precision. For methodological comparison bovine serum samples were assayed with both the SPOTCHEM SP-4410 and the automated blood analyzer HITACHI 705, which served as a wet-chemistry reference system. The following analytes were measured: glucose, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin and the enzymes AST, CPK and gamma-GT. For hemoglobin, which was measured in heparinized whole blood, the CO oximeter 855, CIBA-CORNING, was used as a reference system. The comparative analysis showed very good correlation in eight of ten parameters and their correlation coefficients (r) ranged between 0.962 and 0.998. Only the correlation coefficients of the analysis of total bilirubin (r = 0.903) and albumin (r = 0.771) were less satisfactory. The recovery test was carried out with the two parameters glucose and blood urea. The recovery of glucose was 93.7% and of urea 98.8%. The SPOTCHEM SP-4410 is easy to use and proved to be reliable and accurate, and therefore it seems to be useful for analysis of bovine blood samples.

Efficacy of an immune modulator in enzootic pneumonia of dairy calves

The objective of this cohort study was the evaluation of the efficacy of an immune modulator in the prophylaxis, metaphylaxis and treatment of enzootic bronchopneumonia (EBP). A total of 552 dairy calves on 13 farms were included. Groups of calves were included in the study if the prevalence of respiratory disease on the first visit was at least 50%, and the number of animals aged 2-16 weeks was at least 10. Controls were treated with a placebo. Animals of both groups were treated antibiotically if body temperature exceeded 39.5 degrees C. A clinimetric system was devised and used for classifying the animals into one of seven categories (healthy, beginning respiratory disease, acute BP, subacute BP, chronic BP, acute flare-up of chronic BP, and other disease). Animals were examined clinically on days 1, 3, 10, and 28. In animals treated prophylactically, the incidence of BP on day 10 was significantly higher (51%) than in those that received the placebo (31%). In animals treated metaphylactically, the average number of treatment days was significantly lower (2.86) than in the placebo group (3.81). In animals treated therapeutically, the incidence of EBP on day 10 was significantly lower than in the placebo group.

[Effect of ad lib and restricted milk feeding on the course of illness and body weight in young calves with diarrhea]

Two different feeding regimens for calves (age up to 21 days) suffering from acute diarrhea were evaluated with respect to course of illness and change in body weight. The patients of the experimental group were given whole milk ad libitum three times a day. The patients of the control group were offered whole milk at a rate of 13% their body mass per day divided into three meals. In addition, both groups were offered an oral rehydration solution at a rate 9.5% of body mass per day, also divided into three portions. Data from 60 calves (30 in both groups) were available for statistical analysis. The duration of illness in the experimental group was 10.9 +/- 6.0 days vs. 10.0 +/- 5.2 days in the control group. The daily increase of body mass in the experimental group averaged 0.607 +/- 0.452 kg, the one in the control group 0.230 +/- 0.231 kg (p = 0.0002). The calves of the experimental group required 13.16 +/- 11.18 I milk per kg weight gain, the calves of the control group 21.39 +/- 12.80 I. Six calves of the experimental group and two calves of the control group subsequently had a relapse. On the basis of the results obtained, a feeding regimen for calves suffering from acute diarrhea is suggested.

[Cecal intussusception in calves]

Among the patients admitted to the II. Medical Animal Clinic of the University of Munich from 1986 through 1994, there were 51 calves at an age of up to three months with intussusceptions in the caecal region. The following forms were observed: caecocaecal (n = 12), caecocolic (n = 22), ileocaecocolic (n = 6), ileocaecal (n = 8), and jejunoileocolic (n = 3). In 40 cases, the intussusception occurred in the course of diarrheal disease. The most important signs were scant faeces, that often contained blood and/or mucus, and the finding of a hard viscus upon abdominal palpation. Colic was observed in 27% of patients. In 18 cases, surgical intervention was not attempted because of the advanced stage of the disease or severe accompanying disease. From the remaining 33 calves, eight were cured. The others were either destroyed or died because of extensive peritonitis or other diseases. This report is to draw attention to the fact that (caecal) intussusception should be considered in diarrheal calves when faecal output decreases suddenly, and the general state deteriorates.

[Retrospective evaluation of urea and creatinine blood levels in calves with diarrhea]

Data of 393 calves treated for neonatal diarrhea as in-patients in the II. Medical Animal Clinic of the University of Munich were included in a retrospective study with special regard to the course and prognostic information of blood urea, blood creatinine, urea-creatinine-ratio, and PCV. Mean values, standard deviation and maximum values that were measured upon admission to the clinic: blood urea: 16.86 +/- 12.35; 75.70 mmol/l; blood creatinine: 260.3 +/- 204.4; 1610.2 mumol/l; urea-creatinine-ratio [both in mmol/l]: 70.28 +/- 36.38; 245.8; PCV: 41.66 +/- 9.1; 71.5% (mean +/- S.D). Even very high values for blood urea, blood creatinine, urea-creatinine-ratio, and PCV determined at admission yielded no prognostic information, but unchanged or higher urea values on the second day in the clinic were associated with a deterioration of prognosis.

[Systemic effects of ruminal acidosis following ruminal drinking in dairy calves. A retrospective analysis of 293 cases]

In a retrospective study the data of 293 young calves (age upon admission less than four weeks) with evidence of ruminal drinking (rumen pH < 6.0) were analyzed for possible associations between ruminal acidosis and various parameters of systemic acid-base metabolism (blood pH, blood levels of HCO3- and L-lactate, as well as anion gap). On the basis of the degree of ruminal acidosis (pH < 5.0/ > or = 5.0) and evidence of diarrhea, the animals were assigned to one of four groups. The results indicate that severe ruminal acidosis leads to disturbances of systemic acid-base metabolism in young calves, too. With additional diarrhea, those disturbances can be complex.

[Investigations on the development of hyponatremia in older calves with diarrhea]

The study involved 50 hospitalized calves (four weeks to five months old) suffering from diarrhoea and hyponatraemia (blood sodium concentration below 130 mmol/l). Starting from the day of admission blood, urine, and faecal samples were taken each morning and sodium and potassium concentrations were measured. In addition, blood and urine samples were taken in the evenings, if electrolytes had been given orally during the day. The obtained values from urine samples were compared with the plasma concentrations in order to check for inadequate renal excretion of electrolytes. Consistency of the faeces and visible blood admixture were the main criteria in the evaluation of electrolyte concentration in the 317 samples of faecal water. With one exception no inadequate renal losses of sodium were observed. Sodium and potassium concentrations in faecal water showed a distinct negative correlation. As the consistency of faeces grew increasingly normal, electrolyte contents of faeces approached those reported for adult cattle, i.e. potassium levels rose and sodium levels decreased. Visible blood admixtures had no significant effect on the sodium and potassium concentrations in the faeces. A distinct relationship between electrolyte contents in faecal water and the consistency of the faeces was found. There were highly significant differences in electrolyte concentrations between faeces of watery (Na: 82 +/- 21 mmol/l; K: 23 +/- 12 mmol/l) and soupy (Na: 54 +/- 26 mmol/l; K: 42 +/- 19 mmol/l) consistency (mean +/- standard deviation). By contrast, soupy and pulpy faeces just showed a slight or no difference in electrolyte concentrations. Only faeces of watery consistency contained approximately as much sodium as observed in neonatal calf diarrhoea. These results show that the pronounced hyponatraemia in older calves can hardly be attributed to loss of sodium via faeces and urine. The following possible causes are proposed: (a) older calves usually have access to water (therefore there is more gradual dehydration or no dehydration at all); (b) oral electrolyte solutions are seldom administered.

[Utility of a CO2 micro-system for diagnosis of acid-base equilibrium disorders in cows with abomasal displacement]

The so-called Harleco apparatus, a micro-system for determination of total CO2, was tested on samples from 200 cows with abomasal displacements. Plasma bicarbonate concentration (pbc) determined with blood gas analysors were used as the reference method.

RESULTS

(1) The pbc of 38.0% of the cows was considered normal (22-28 mmol/l), 51.5% of the cows had metabolic alkalosis (pbc > 20 mmol/l), while 10.5% were acidotic (pbc < 22 mmol/l). (2) Values for pbc determined by the reference method correlated well with values obtained with the Harleco apparatus using plasma (coefficient of correlation 0.804) or whole blood (cc = 0.565). (3) On the basis of sensitivity and specificity, the Harleco apparatus diagnosed alkalosis as reliably as acidosis. (4) The values determined in whole blood were not accurate. (5) The amount of plasma required can be obtained in practice using a micro-centrifuge. (6) Results obtained using a self-prepared reagent were not significantly different from those obtained using the commercially available reagent. (7) Use of a second standard with a bicarbonate concentration close to the sample value did not yield significantly different results than use of a single standard of 25 mmol/l. (8) Increasing the reaction time from 30 sec (according to instructions) to 60 or 90 sec did not yield significantly better results. It is concluded that the Harleco apparatus is a simple, quick, cheap, sufficiently reliable and practical alternative to convential methods for the determination of total CO2 in plasma of cattle.

[Abomasal ulcers in calves: clinical investigations and experiences]

Observations and experiences as well as results of clinical investigations in 364 calves with clinically apparent abomasal ulcers (bleeding 28, deep 37, perforating 299) are communicated. The anamnestic data, evaluated systematically, allow to conclude, that influences of the feeding regime, in particular faults during the early weaning period, play an important role in the multifactorial etiology. Furthermore, symptoms, diagnosis and differential diagnosis as well as treatment and prevention are described. The various localizations (and ways) of perforating abomasal ulcers are demonstrated by schematic representations and by the respective findings at operation or at necropsy.

Histological and bacteriological evaluation of digital dermatitis in cattle, with special reference to spirochaetes and Campylobacter faecalis

Tissue samples from the feet of slaughtered cattle exhibiting different stages of digital dermatitis were sectioned and stained with haematoxylin and eosin and silver staining techniques. Three morphological variations of spirochaetes were observed, whereas control samples from feet which were macroscopically negative for digital dermatitis were also negative for spirochaetes. In an immunofluorescence test, Campylobacter faecalis was found to be abundant on superficial wound smears from the classical ulceration of digital dermatitis.

[The pre- and postoperative course of pH values and net acid-base excretion in the urine of cows with abomasal displacement]

The pre- and postoperative course of acid-base parameters and electrolyte concentrations in urine and blood was studied in 67 cows affected with left- or right-sided abomasal displacement. Paradoxic aciduria was detected in 21 of 37 cattle with preoperative alkalosis. The validity of serum electrolyte determinations for the detection of electrolyte disturbances is limited. The evaluated parameters returned to normal in most of the animals within the following intervals post-op.: 1 day: blood gas parameters 2 days: hematocrit; 3 days: general condition, serum chloride and serum sodium concentrations; 4 days: urine-pH, net acid-base excretion, urine chloride and serum potassium concentrations; Urine-pH and net acid-base excretion increase only after serum electrolyte levels return to normal.

[Intravenous infusion of volatile fatty acids as a metabolic loading test for the evaluation of the possible effects of butafosfane on the energy metabolism of cattle]

In 10 German Black and White heifers metabolic stress reactions were induced by intravenous infusion of propionate and butyrate to demonstrate possible effects of prior medication with butafosfane. This investigation included a preliminary feeding period, followed by 18 hours of feed withdrawal, premedication with butafosfane or placebo and infusion of volatile fatty acids. Reactions were assessed by monitoring biochemical and clinical parameters. A total of 19 blood samples per series were taken in which the concentrations of glucose, free fatty acids, volatile fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, cortisol and insulin were measured. Clinical parameters recorded included heart rate and respiratory rate. During loading with propionate effects of butafosfane on plasma levels of cortisol and insulin could be demonstrated. The differences noted in the other parameters were only insignificant. The loading test chosen is suitable for the demonstration of effects of butafosfane on metabolic parameters which could hardly be influenced by this substance in unstressed animals.

[Modification of the concentration of creatinine and sodium in blood serum and urine and the fractional elimination of sodium by electrolyte therapy in calves]

In 32 calves, creatinine and sodium concentrations were determined in blood and urine samples taken simultaneously four times during two periods of two days each (control period: milk or milk replacer; trial period: oral electrolyte solution). Creatinine urine/serum ratios and fractional elimination of sodium (FENa) were calculated. The influence of the type of liquid feed on these parameters was evaluated statistically. Calves fed milk replacer had higher urine sodium concentrations and FENa than calves fed whole milk. All parameters determined were influenced by intake of oral electrolyte solution: creatinine concentrations in serum and urine decreased, whereas sodium concentrations in serum and urine, as well as FENa, increased. It is concluded that sodium content of liquid feed significantly influences FENa.

[Boogenic human diseases]

Basing on observations from practice and clinic, a survey is given (in two tables) concerning the disturbances of human health due to the handling of cattle, and their causes.

Use of specific antibodies to quantitate the guanine nucleotide-binding protein Go in brain

We immunized rabbits with purified guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) from bovine brain and obtained an antiserum, RV3, that reacts specifically with the alpha subunit (39 kDa) of a G protein of unknown function, termed Go, as well as with the beta subunit (35 kDa) common to all G proteins. RV3 showed no crossreactivity with the alpha subunits of the stimulatory (Gs) or inhibitory (Gi) G proteins associated with adenylate cyclase, nor with that of the rod outer segment G protein, transducin. Immunoblots with crude and affinity-purified antiserum showed that RV3 specifically recognizes the Go alpha subunit and the beta subunit in crude brain membranes. Using RV3, we found approximately equal amounts of Go in brain membranes from frog, chicken, rat, cow, and man. Quantitative immunoblotting gave Go alpha subunit/ beta subunit ratios approximately equal to 1 in cerebral cortex, raising the possibility that free Go alpha subunit (unassociated with beta subunit) may exist in brain. The concentration of Go alpha subunit in cortex is about 5 times that of Gi alpha subunit. The results show that Go is an immunochemically distinct, highly conserved protein distributed throughout the brain, with particularly high concentrations in forebrain.

Bradykinin-activated transmembrane signals are coupled via No or Ni to production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, a second messenger in NG108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cells

The addition of bradykinin to NG108-15 cells results in a transient hyperpolarization followed by prolonged cell depolarization. Injection of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate or Ca2+ into the cytoplasm of NG108-15 cells also elicits cell hyperpolarization followed by depolarization. Tetraethylammonium ions inhibit the hyperpolarizing response of cells to bradykinin or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Thus, the hyperpolarizing phase of the cell response may be due to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent release of stored Ca2+ into the cytoplasm, which activates Ca2+-dependent K+ channels. The depolarizing phase of the cell response to bradykinin is due largely to inhibition of M channels, thereby decreasing the rate of K+ efflux from cells and, to a lesser extent, to activation of Ca2+-dependent ion channels and Ca2+ channels. In contrast, injection of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate or Ca2+ into the cytosol did not alter M channel activity. Incubation of NG108-15 cells with pertussis toxin inhibits bradykinin-dependent cell hyperpolarization and depolarization. Bradykinin stimulates low Km GTPase activity and inhibits adenylate cyclase in NG108-15 membrane preparations but not in membranes prepared from cells treated with pertussis toxin. Reconstitution of NG108-15 membranes from cells treated with pertussis toxin with nanomolar concentrations of a mixture of highly purified No and Ni [guanine nucleotide-binding proteins that have no known function (No) or inhibit adenylate cyclase (Ni)] restores bradykinin-dependent activation of GTPase and inhibition of adenylate cyclase. These results show that [bradykinin . receptor] complexes interact with No or Ni and suggest that No and/or Ni mediate the transduction of signals from bradykinin receptors to phospholipase C and adenylate cyclase.

Antibodies against the carboxyl-terminal 5-kDa peptide of the alpha subunit of transducin crossreact with the 40-kDa but not the 39-kDa guanine nucleotide binding protein from brain

We tested 18 antisera showing reactivity against the alpha subunit of transducin, the guanine nucleotide binding protein from rod outer segment, for crossreactivity against the 40- and 39-kDa guanine nucleotide binding proteins purified from bovine brain. A single antiserum, CW6, showed crossreactivity, and this was predominantly against the 40-kDa protein. Immunoblots of the tryptic fragments of transducin alpha subunit with multiple antisera raised against that subunit showed that only CW6 recognizes a COOH-terminal 5-kDa peptide that includes the site of pertussis toxin ADP-ribosylation. Antibodies against the 5-kDa peptide, affinity-purified from CW6, specifically react with the 40-kDa brain protein on immunoblots. The results show that the 39- and 40-kDa guanine nucleotide binding proteins from brain differ immunochemically and that the COOH-terminal 5-kDa peptide of transducin alpha subunit is homologous to a region in the 40-kDa brain protein. We speculate that this homologous region may be in a domain that confers specificity for receptor interactions of guanine nucleotide binding proteins.

[Morphologic knowledge of polyneuropathy in progressive scleroderma]

The occurrence of polyneuropathy in connection with systemic sclerosis is extremely rare. Proliferative changes leading to mechanical compression of the nerves have been ascribed to an etiological involvement. In the case reported here, polyneuropathy could be verified morphologically (nervebiopsy). The elevated IgG in the cerebrospinal fluid suggests inflammatory changes of the nerves to be the cause of polyneuropathy.