Portomesenteric venous gas in a 2-week-old Holstein calf

A 2-week-old Holstein Friesian female calf was presented with profuse diarrhea and abdominal distension. Clinicopathological findings included marked hypoproteinemia, hypoglycemia and leucopenia, mild hyperlactatemia, and hyperfibrinogenemia. On abdominal ultrasonography, features were consistent with portomesenteric venous gas (PVG), a rare condition reported in the medical literature. The PVG in this calf was associated with severe gastrointestinal illness and sepsis.     

Influences on the occurrence of abomasal displacements in German Holstein cows]

The objectives of this study were to analyse risk factors for the prevalence of abomasal displacement in German Holstein cows. In the period from 02/01/1999 to 01/31/2000 five veterinary surgeons in Northern Lower Saxony registered all cases of abomasal displacement in German Holstein cows being under the official milk recording scheme. In total, the investigation included 160 farms and 9315 cows. An abomasal displacement was registered in 151 German Holstein cows, corresponding to a frequency of 1.6%. More than 75% of the abomasal displacements appeared during the first 30 days after calving. The left abomasal displacement (74.8%) was recorded more often than the right abomasal displacement (25.2%). Milk recording and pedigree data were supplied by the VIT (Vereinigte Informationssystem Tierhaltung), Verden, and merged with the own recordings. The influences of the calving month, the lactation number, the age at calving, the inbreeding coefficient, calving performance, duration of pregnancy, breed of calf sire, calf sire and the breeding values for the milk performance did not explain a significant part of the variation of the frequency of the abomasal displacement. Significant effects of the sire, birth of twins or even more calves and the herd were obtained for the leftsided abomasal displacement. For the rightsided abomasal displacement and for all abomasal displacements the herd effect was not significant. Heritability estimates using bivariate linear REML models were h2 = 0.043 +/- 0.012 for the leftsided abomasal displacement, and h2 = 0.007 +/- 0.004 for the rightsided abomasal displacement, respectively. Using the threshold model the heritabilities yielded estimates of h2 = 0.51 for the left abomasal displacement, and for the right abomasal displacement of h2 = 0.19, respectively.     

Survival analysis of German Holstein cows after an abomasal displacement

From 1996 to 2002 5159 cattle with abomasal displacement was treated in the Clinic for Cattle, School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. An analysis of systematic effects on influences on the length of survival following surgical correction of the abomasal displacement could be performed for 1411 cows. These animals were under the official milk recording scheme. Significant influences on lifetime after an abomasal displacement were interval between calving and diagnosis of disease, lactation number, type of abomasal displacement, inbreeding coefficient, calving difficulties, region of origin and sire of the calf. The lifetime after an abomasal displacement significantly differed between several months of calving and some sires of the cow. The individual milk yield in lactations before and after abomasal displacement of the cow was significant for the length of lifetime. The heritability estimate for length of lifetime after abomasal displacement using residual maximum likelihood (REML) in a linear animal model was h2 = 0.01-0.03.     

A fatal case of complicated congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a Holstein calf

Congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition most commonly reported in cats and dogs. A 6-week-old Holstein heifer calf with a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia complicated by a perforated abomasal ulcer is described. The clinical signs and pathological findings are compared with those reported in other species.     

Risk factors for abomasal displacement in dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether various periparturient events or 305-day milk production during the previous lactation period were associated with abomasal displacement in dairy cows. DESIGN: Retrospective, case-control study. ANIMALS: 75 pairs of case and control cows from 3 university-owned and 3 commercial dairy herds. PROCEDURE: Cows with abomasal displacement were matched with control cows on the basis of herd of origin, breed, age, and calving date. Frequency of specific periparturient events during the period from 2 weeks prior to parturition to diagnosis of abomasal displacement, as well as milk production during the preceding lactation period, were compared between case and control cows. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses indicated that case cows were significantly more likely to have had retained placenta, ketosis, a stillborn calf, metritis, twins, or parturient paresis than were control cows. Dystocia, mastitis, and milk production during the previous lactation period were not associated with abomasal displacement. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results indicated that a variety of periparturient events were associated with development of abomasal displacement among dairy cows.     

Abomasal volvulus in cattle following correction of left displacement by casting and rolling

Seven adult cows developed abomasal volvulus immediately following correction of left displacement by casting and rolling. Three cows were rolled to provide temporary relief from left displaced abomasum because of concurrent disease and 4 were rolled as the principal therapy for left displacement. In each animal surgical correction of abomasal volvulus was accomplished via right paralumbar fossa celiotomy and inclusion of an omentopexy during abdominal closure. Surgery was performed within 24 hours of casting and rolling. All 7 cows recovered after surgery and were reported to have satisfactory milk production and appetite 6 weeks later.     

Effect of Preoperative Erythromycin or Dexamethasone/Vitamin C on Postoperative Abomasal Emptying Rate in Dairy Cows Undergoing Surgical Correction of Abomasal Volvulus

Objective— To determine the effects of preoperative erythromycin or combined dexamethasone/vitamin C treatment on postoperative abomasal emptying rate in cows undergoing surgical correction of abomasal volvulus (AV).
Study Design— Prospective, controlled, clinical study using a convenience sample.
Animals— Lactating Holstein–Friesian cows (n=45) with AV were alternately assigned to 3 groups (n=15): group C: untreated (control); group E: erythromycin (10 mg/kg intramuscularly [IM]); group D: dexamethasone (0.02 mg/kg intravenously [IV]) and vitamin C (10 mg/kg IV).
Methods— Drugs were administered 1 hour before surgical correction of AV. d -xylose solution (50%, 0.5 g/kg body weight) was injected into the abomasal lumen during surgery. Jugular venous blood samples for determination of serum d -xylose concentration were periodically obtained. Time to maximal serum d -xylose concentration (T_max-model) was pharmacokinetically determined.
Results— Abomasal emptying rate was significantly ( P <0.05) faster in group E (T_max-model=182±69 min; mean±SD) than in group C cows (T_max-model=237±64 min). Abomasal emptying rate was similar in group D (T_max-model=196±47 min) and group C. Both treatments improved postoperative milk yield within 1 day after surgery.
Conclusion— Preoperative injection of erythromycin (10 mg/kg IM) is an effective method for ameliorating postoperative abomasal hypomotility in cows with AV.
Clinical Relevance— Parenteral erythromycin can be recommended for preoperative treatment of cows with AV.     

Abomasal cryptosporidiosis in cattle

A 6-week-old calf and nine feedlot steers shed oocysts similar to Cryptosporidium muris-like oocysts. There were massive populations of this Cryptosporidium in the peptic glands of most of these animals. The oocysts were larger and more oval than the frequently reported type which is generated in the intestines of many animal species and thought to be similar to Cryptosporidium parvum. The pattern of shedding of this newly discovered Cryptosporidium in the steers was continuous over a period of months whereas the C. parvum-like oocysts cease to be shed 1 to several weeks after onset. The nature of the host-parasite interaction in abomasal cryptosporidiosis is yet to be determined. Morphologic changes that resulted from the interaction were an approximate 10% increase in abomasal mucosal thickness, widening of gland lumens in the middle region, and atrophy of epithelium in the same region.     

Segmental Spinal Cord Hypoplasia in a Holstein Friesian Calf

An 8‐day‐old female Holstein Friesian calf was examined because of congenital spastic paresis of the hind limbs. Myelography revealed deviation and thinning of subarachnoid contrast medium columns in the lumbar segment. Upon magnetic resonance imaging, the ‘hour‐glass’ subdural compression appeared as a T1‐hypointense, T2‐hyperintense ovoidal area suggestive of cerebral spinal fluid collection, compatible with hydrosyringomyelia. The calf was euthanized and the necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of segmental spinal cord hypoplasia of the lumbar tract associated to hydromyelic and syringomyelic cavities.     

Effect of orally administered cimetidine and ranitidine on abomasal luminal pH in clinically normal milk-fed calves

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the change of pH in the abomasal lumen throughout a 24-hour period, to determine whether pH of the abomasal body differs from pH of the pyloric antrum, and to determine whether oral administration of cimetidine and ranitidine alters pH of the abomasal lumen in milk-fed calves. ANIMALS: 5 male dairy calves (4 Holsteins-Friesian, 1 Ayrshire), 5 to 15 days old. PROCEDURE: Cannulas were surgically positioned in the abomasal body and pyloric antrum of each calf. Calves received the following treatments in a randomized crossover design: milk replacer (60 ml/kg of body weight, q 12 h [untreated control calves]), milk replacer and cimetidine (50 or 100 mg/kg, q 8 h), or milk replacer and ranitidine (10 or 50 mg/kg, q 8 h). The pH of the abomasal body and pyloric antrum was measured for 24 hours, using miniature glass pH electrodes. RESULTS: Suckling of milk replacer immediately increased abomasal luminal pH from 1.4 to 6.0, followed by a gradual decrease to preprandial values by 6 hours. Preprandial and postprandial pH values were not significantly different between the abomasal body and pyloric antrum, indicating lack of pH compartmentalization in the abomasum of milk-fed calves. Administration of cimetidine and ranitidine caused a significant dose-dependent increase in mean 24-hour abomasal luminal pH. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Abomasal acid secretion in milk-fed calves is mediated in part by histamine type-2 receptors. Cimetidine and ranitidine may be efficacious in the treatment of abomasal ulcers in milk-fed calves.     

Effects of wheat protein in milk replacers on abomasal emptying rate in calves

Diarrhoea is a condition with tremendous impact on calf health. Infectious agents play a dominant role; however, non‐infective factors may also contribute to pathogenesis of diarrhoea. One factor, the abomasal emptying rate, is mainly influenced by the composition of feed. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of different protein sources in milk replacers on abomasal emptying rate and clinical parameters. The effect of increasing age of the calves on abomasal emptying was also evaluated. The study compared abomasal emptying rates and clinical parameters in calves, which were fed either milk replacer containing only whey protein or one which partially contained wheat protein. Abomasal emptying rate was estimated by ultrasonography. Ten calves were used in the study over 18 days, and each calf was fed 3 periods of 3 days length using different milk replacers in an alternating crossover design. The abomasum was emptied significantly faster when the wheat protein containing milk replacer was fed (half‐emptying time wheat protein 49.1 ± 4.1 min, half‐emptying time milk protein 59.1 ± 7.4 min); however, clinical parameters and weight gain did not differ between the feeding regimes. Age did not significantly influence abomasal emptying rate. As milk replacers containing wheat proteins increased abomasal emptying rate, they may have a higher potential to initiate diarrhoea, especially if high volumes are fed. Thus, the feeding regimes are likely to be even more important when such milk replacers are used.     

A mechanism of excessive accumulation of abomasal gas in vagotomized cattle determined using fluoroscopy

To better understand the mechanism of excessive gas accumulation in the abomasum in bovine abomasal displacement, we performed gastric fluoroscopy in vagotomized cattle. Fifteen 6-month-old Holstein steers were divided into three groups: a non-vagotomized control group (Group C; n=5), a ventral thoraco-vagotomized group (Group V; n=5), and a dorsal and ventral thoraco-vagotomized group (Group DV; n=5). These groups were examined by fluoroscopy before and during a 5-week observation period after surgery. In Group C, no change was observed throughout the observation period. In Group DV, immediately after surgery, reticuloruminal motility was completely absent and ruminal distention was seen. Two weeks after surgery, abnormal reticulum motility and increased gas accumulation in the abomasal body were noted. Abomasal dilatation was also observed. In Group V, 1 week after surgery, gas inflow into the abomasum and relatively normal reticulum motility were observed along with a rapid increase in abomasal gas. Abomasal dilatation was also observed. In addition, left-displaced abomasum occurred in one of the steers in this group. From these results, we concluded that one of the mechanisms of excessive gas accumulation in the abomasum is reticulum-mediated gas inflow from the rumen combined with vagotomy-induced hypomotility.     

Displacement of the abomasum in the cow. Incidence, etiological factors and results of treatment.

Fiftynine cases of abomasal displacement were registered during a 10 year period in a veterinary district in Norway with a dairy cow population of approx. 2500. Of these, 88% were left displacements and 12% right displacements. Ten per cent recovered spontaneously without subsequent relapse. Corrective surgery was performed on the remainder, and 92% of these recovered completely. Surgery was, in most cases, performed on the same day as the diagnosis of abomasal displacement was made. The displacements occurred at all times of the year: 86% of cases involved cows in third or subsequent lactation 95% were diagnosed within the period 4--64 days after calving, and 70% of the cows had been treated for other illness with disturbance of digestion during the week immediately prior to the demonstration of the displacement. In a further 25%, ketosis was diagnosed at the same time as the displacement. Etiology and pathogenesis are discussed.     

New aspects in the pathogenesis of abomasal displacement

Impaired abomasal motility and an increased accumulation of gas are prerequisites for displacement of the abomasum in the cow. Predisposing factors are the breed (e.g. Holstein-Friesian, Simmental-Red-Holstein cross breeds and Guernsey), genetic background, twin pregnancy, first weeks of lactation, metabolic disorders (ketosis, increased lipomobilisation, insulin resistance), high-concentrate and low-fibre diets, as well as other concomitant diseases, such as endometritis, mastitis and claw disorders. There does not appear to be a strong correlation between increased milk yield or endotoxaemia and abomasal displacement. Recent studies have focused on possible functional disorders of the enteric nervous system within the abomasal wall, since cattle with abomasal displacement have an increased activity of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, as well as decreased acetylcholine sensitivity. In addition, there appear to be significant differences between breeds in the levels of the neurotransmitters substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the abomasal wall. For example, SP (stimulatory) was significantly less in German Holsteins in comparison to the German Fleckvieh, whereas VIP (inhibitory) was markedly increased. These risk factors may explain why Holstein cows are more susceptible to abomasal displacement than other breeds.     

Unusual congenital deformities of the lower limb in two calves

Congenital deformities of the lower limb were observed in 2 calves from different properties. One was a newborn Holstein-Friesian bull calf with polydactyly and polypodia of the right fore-limb.The other was an 8-month-old Friesian/Jersey crossbred heifer calf, which had a mirror image duplication of the plantar/palmar half of the distal portion of the digits. The abnormalities in the second calf have not previously been described in cattle. This paper presents details of the clinical, radiological and necropsy findings in these 2 calves.     

Unusual congenital deformities of the lower limb in two calves

Congenital deformities of the lower limb were observed in 2 calves from different properties. One was a newborn Holstein-Friesian bull calf with polydactyly and polypodia of the right fore-limb. The other was an 8-month-old Friesian/Jersey crossbred heifer calf, which had a mirror image duplication of the plantar/palmar half of the distal portion of the digits. The abnormalities in the second calf have not previously been described in cattle. This paper presents details of the clinical, radiological and necropsy findings in these 2 calves.     

Use of the D-xylose absorption test to measure abomasal emptying rate in healthy lactating Holstein-Friesian cows and in cows with left displaced abomasum or abomasal volvulus

We determined the abomasal emptying rates of Holstein-Friesian cows at different stages of lactation, with left displaced abomasum (LDA), or immediately after surgical correction of LDA or abomasal volvulus (AV). D-xylose (0.5 g/kg body weight [BW], 50% solution) was injected into the abomasum in healthy cows (group 1, 4-7 days in milk [DIM], n = 7; group 2, 90-120 DIM, n = 7; group 3, > 300 DIM, n = 7) and in cows with LDA (n = 10; group 4). D-xylose was injected into the abomasum during right flank laparotomy in cows with LDA (n = 22; group 5) and cows with AV (n = 15; group 6). The time to maximal serum D-xylose concentration was used as an index of emptying rate. The abomasal emptying rates for cows in groups 1, 2, and 3 were similar, whereas emptying was slower in cows with LDA and in cows after surgical correction of LDA or AV. The abomasal emptying rate of cows with LDA was slowed to a greater extent immediately after surgery, when compared to the rate obtained before surgery. There was no difference in abomasal emptying rate immediately after surgical correction between cows with LDA or AV. The results indicate that the increased incidence of LDA in the first month of lactation is not associated with an intrinsic decrease in abomasal emptying rate in healthy cows. Our findings also demonstrate that surgical correction further slows the emptying rate in cows with LDA.     

CONGENITAL FACIAL INFILTRATIVE LIPOMA IN A CALF

The clinical and pathologic findings related to an infiltrative facial lipoma in a 5-month-old female Holstein Friesian calf are reported. The tumor was congenital, increased in size with time, and deformed the left side of the face and cranial bones. The clinical condition of the calf was good; the only detectable abnormalities were poor weight gain and decreased motility of the left upper lip. Clinical and radiologic data indicated the mass was not removable. Muscle and lymph node invasion by tumor tissue were detected histologically. Infiltrative lipoma is a rare variety of lipoma that has been reported in dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Although its cytologic characteristics are those of a benign tumor, in this patient the invasiveness of the neoplasm was associated with poor prognosis.     

Does the weather influence the occurrence of abomasal displacement in dairy cows?

Aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between the occurrence of abomasal displacement and the weather situations. Data were collected for the years 2000 and 2001 in the area around Lisbon at 26 farms keeping about 6500 Holstein-Friesian milk cows; the analysis of 372 cases of abomasal displacement were included in the study. The weather situation was assessed on daily basis: atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, precipitation, daily insolation, maximum air temperature, minimum air temperature and average wind velocity. These original parameters were modified for the statistical analyses according to atmospheric pressure, water vapour pressure, relative humidity, temperature, temperature range, precipitation, insolation and wind speed. The change of the weather situation was described by the mean absolute deviation (deviation of the meteorological parameters from the running mean over a period of 5 and 10 days) and by a method which was based on the principal component analysis of the entire data set. A weak influence of water vapour pressure, relative humidity, temperature, temperature range, precipitation, and insolation on the occurrence of abomasal displacements was found by linear correlation- and regression analysis. A higher probability for abomasal displacement was verified for low water vapour pressure, high relative humidity, low air temperature, low temperature range, high precipitation and low insolation. No statistically significant relations were found between occurrence of abomasal displacement and either wind velocity or atmospheric pressure. A time series analysis exhibited a higher prevalence for abomasal displacement for periods with a change from sunny, warm and dry days to cool, overcast and humid days. From the present work it can be concluded that the meteorological situation has an influence on the occurrence of abomasal displacement. Therefore, the weather situation should be included among the predisposing causes of the occurrence of abomasal displacements.     

Genetic analysis of the prevalence of abomasal displacement and its relationship to milk output characteristics in German Holstein cows

Genetic parameters for the prevalence of abomasal displacement and for milk yield traits were estimated using a data set of 3578 cows. The animals originated from 50 farms near Hanover being under the official milk recording scheme. At these farms all cases of abomasal displacement in German Holsteins were registered from July 2001 to January 2003. Using REML heritability estimates in linear animal models were h2 = 0.034 +/- 0.014, h2 = 0.017 +/- 0.013 and h2 = 0.029 +/- 0.011 for all cases of abomasal displacement, leftsided abomasal displacement and rightsided abomasal displacement, respectively. Additive genetic correlations between all cases of abomasal displacement and milk yield traits were small, ranging from rg = -0.20 (fat content) to rg = 0.08 (milk kg). However, there was a highly positive additive genetic correlation between leftsided abomasal displacement and milk yield of rg = 0.683 +/- 0.227. Leftsided abomasal displacement was correlated additive genetically to fat and protein yield, fat and protein content with rg = 0.595 +/- 0.297, r9 = 0.653 +/- 0.250, rg = -0.768 +/- 0.3280 und rg = -0.643 +/- 0.354, respectively. The additive genetic correlation to the ratio between fat and protein content was rg = -0.585 +/- 0.470. For rightsided abomasal displacement, additive genetic correlations were of similar size but with reversed signs. The estimates obtained for the residual correlations were negligibly small throughout.