Radial stem growth in response to microclimate and soil moisture in a drought-prone mixed coniferous forest at an inner Alpine site

Dendroclimatological studies in a dry inner Alpine environment (750 m a.s.l.) revealed different growth response of co-occurring coniferous species to climate, which is assumed to be caused by a temporal shift in wood formation among species. The main focus of this study therefore was to monitor intra-annual dynamics of radial increment growth of mature deciduous and evergreen coniferous species (Pinus sylvestris, Larix decidua and Picea abies) during two consecutive years with contrasting climatic conditions. Radial stem growth was continuously followed by band dendrometers and modelled using Gompertz functions to determine time of maximum growth. Histological analyses of tree ring formation allowed determination of temporal dynamics of cambial activity and xylem cell development. Daily fluctuations in stem radius and radial stem increments were extracted from dendrometer traces, and correlations with environmental variables were performed. While a shift in temporal dynamics of radial growth onset and cessation was detected among co-occurring species, intra-annual radial growth peaked synchronously in late May 2011 and early June 2012. Moist atmospheric conditions, i.e. high relative air humidity, low vapour pressure deficit and low air temperature during the main growing period, favoured radial stem increment of all species. Soil water content and soil temperature were not significantly related to radial growth. Although a temporal shift in onset and cessation of wood formation was detected among species, synchronous culmination of radial growth indicates homogenous exogenous and/or endogenous control. The close coupling of radial growth to atmospheric conditions points to the importance of stem water status for intra-annual growth of drought-prone conifers.     

Characterisation of complex karyotype changes in a canine thyroid adenoma

A 14-year-old German shepherd dog developed an alveolar adenoma of the thyroid. The cytogenetic evaluation of the tumour cells showed two ranges of chromosome numbers. Centric fusions 2/32, 5/26, 6/11, 8/11, 9/23 and 14/31 were G-band identified in this complex change of karyotype.     

DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND IMAGING OF SOFT TISSUES IN THE BOVINE DISTAL LIMB

In this study sonographic images of healthy flexor tendons, digital flexor tendon sheaths, metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints, and proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of the bovine limb were made. Then, synovial cavities in cadavers were filled with the necessary amount of fluid to make the lumina visible sonographically. After injecting 30–40 ml of saline solution into the digital flexor tendon sheath and into the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints, or 8 ml in the proximal interphalangeal joint and 10 ml in the distal interphalangeal joint, the pouches of these synovial cavities were clearly demarcated. Afterwards, the sonographic image of synovial cavities distended by various inflammatory content were described. When the sonographic findings were compared to the findings in clinical patients, centesis and intraoperative procedures, there appeared to be a relationship as to the extent and location of the disorders as well as to the nature of the synovial effusion. Finally, we identified which planes on diseased bovine distal limbs were appropriate for obtaining optimal sonographic images.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the musculoskeletal system in cattle

Ultrasound machines with 7.5 to 5.0MHz linear transducers are well suited for rapid and straightforward differentiation of soft tissue swelling in the musculoskeletal system of cattle; in proximal limb regions 3.5MHz convex scanners allow better imaging. The main indications for ultrasonography of the musculoskeletal system in cattle are suspected arthritis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, abscesses, haematomas, diagnosis of muscle and tendon lesions, and generally the evaluation of soft tissue swellings everywhere that cannot be diagnosed based on clinical examination. The examiner starts by obtaining a general overview of the affected region for orientation purposes. This is achieved by locating and identifying anatomical landmarks, thereafter one can search for pathological changes by examination of the region of interest in longitudinal and transverse planes from all sides. The ultrasonographic investigation should follow a standardised systematic protocol. Normal synovial cavities in cattle are difficult or impossible to visualize via ultrasonography because of the very small physiological amount of synovial fluid. Thus, effusion that is easily visualized usually indicates a pathological process like arthritis, tenosynovitis or bursitis. Ultrasonography provides accurate information about the location and size of lesions or fluid-filled cavities, the nature of the content and an exact measurement of the distance from pathologically altered structures to the skin surface. Targeted centesis of synovial or other cavities can be carried out after a preliminary ultrasonographic inspection. Characterization of the lesions and a thorough preoperative inspection of affected regions are of enormous benefit for planning surgery and treatment.     

Measurement of temperature generation in the corium of bovine claws during claw trimming with an angle grinder using different grinding and cutting disks

On 80 bovine hindclaws from slaughtered cows a correct functional claw trimming (sole horn thickness 5 mm; group 1) and on further 80 hindclaws a standardised, incorrect claw trimming (sole horn thickness 2 mm; group 2) was performed using 4 different disks (one cutting, three grinding disks). Two thermocouples were inserted into the solar corium and the heat production on the corium was measured during claw trimming. During correct functional claw trimming with each of the 4 disks a temperature increase in the corium with a median of < or = 0.3 degrees C was calculated. During incorrect claw trimming (2 mm sole horn thickness) a temperature increase with a median of < or = 0.3 degrees C for the first three disks was determined. During claw trimming using the abrasive semiflexible plastic disk a median of 1.3 degrees C temperature increase was calculated. Comparison of the temperatures measured in the claws from group 1 and 2 showed a statistically significant difference between all four disks. Comparison of the temperature increase within each group (group 1 and 2) revealed a statistically significant difference between the cutting disk with steel blades and the abrasive, semiflexible plastic disk in both groups. The highest temperatures measured were 41.5 degrees C in group 1 using the disk with 70% amount of fitted hard metal granulate, and 42.2 degrees C in group 2 (temperature increase of 10.6 degrees C) using the abrasive semiflexible plastic disk. Under the experimental conditions of this study, only a very slight thermogenesis was found when a functional and correct claw trimming using the 4 tested disks was performed. This slight thermogenesis should not be able to cause thermic injury of the corium. By trimming the sole horn incorrectly (2 mm) the measured heat generation in the corium was minor, without danger of thermic insult, excepted for using the disk with a 70% amount of fitted hard metal granulate and the abrasive semiflexible plastic disk. Even, it is unlikely that a short term temperature increase of 10.6 degrees C can cause thermic insults of the solar corium.     

Treatment of infected wounds and abscesses in bovine limbs with Ligasano-polyurethane-soft foam dressing material

The objective of this report is to present the most important indications for the use of Ligasano-polyurethane-soft-foam dressing material in the treatment of infected wounds in cattle. For this study, 28 cattle were selected, which were treated at the clinic (2000-2003) for infected cut, puncture and laceration wounds on the limbs, purulent tarsal hygromas, large abscesses in the tarsal, crural and thigh regions, and purulent tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath caused by penetrating puncture wounds. After routine wound cleansing, debridement or adequate surgery with wound lavage, Ligasano-polyurethane-soft-foam (Ligamed Medical Produkte, Cadolzburg-Wachendorf, Germany) was applied as a primary wound dressing instead of the conventional cotton gauze swabs or as drainage material in all these wounds. The porous surface structure of this material caused subtle wound debridement and mechanical stimulation of the wound surface increasing exudation and decreasing fibrinous adhesions. The pores ensured good drainage, reduced infection, avoided the accumulation of exudate and the following destruction of the wound surface. In all these indications, except abscesses and purulent hygromas, no or only slight purulent exudation of the treated wounds was observed. Especially in the treatment of purulent tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath with tendon resection a rapid healing of these large surgical wounds--often within 2 weeks--was found. The therapeutic effect of Ligasano-polyurethane-soft-foam as a primary wound dressing was so convincing in these bovine patients, that it is now used exclusively as primary wound dressing material for treatment of infected wounds.     

New surgical approach to the plantar fetlock joint through the digital flexor tendon sheath wall and suspensory ligament apparatus in cases of concurrent septic synovitis in two cattle

A new surgical approach to the infected fetlock joint is described in two cattle suffering from septic tenosynovitis of the lateral digital flexor tendon sheaths of the right lateral hind-digits with concurrent septic serofibrinous arthritis of the adjoining fetlock joints, caused by penetrating wounds. In both patients, the infected sheaths were opened and the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons were removed. Intraoperatively, a small entry through the fetlock joint capsule was detected, directly distal to the lateral proximal sesamoid bone. The tract was surgically enlarged and a second approach into the plantar fetlock joint pouch was created proximally by making a 3 cm long and 0.5 cm wide incision between the two lateral suspensory ligament branches. This allowed easy access to the plantar joint pouch, removal of fibrin clots and an effective joint lavage using 5L of sterile saline solution. The incisions of the fetlock joint capsules remained unsutured and were drained using soft polyurethane foam to preclude premature closure. The tendon sheath wounds remained unsutured. In both patients, the digital flexor tendon sheath and the fetlock joint were lavaged daily for the following three days. The infection was eliminated in both cattle and both fully recovered without residual lameness.     

Clinical study of toe ulcer and necrosis of the apex of the distal phalanx in 53 cattle

Clinical signs, causative factors, radiographic findings, type and duration of treatment or reason for killing were evaluated in 53 cattle (mean age: 5.3 years) suffering from toe ulcer and/or apical pedal bone necrosis. A total of 78 claws were affected. Four cattle suffered from a toe ulcer in one claw, 35 cattle showed osteolysis of the apex of the distal phalanx in a single claw and 14 cattle in two or three claws per cow. Overtrimming by means of a grinding disc and/or perforation of the sole was diagnosed as the major cause in 27 cattle (49%), laminitis in 30.2% and traumatic injuries in 11.3%. Radiography revealed a varying degree of osteolysis involving up to two-thirds of the pedal bone. Twenty-one cattle (39.6%) showing multiple toe disorders or involvement of one single claw with concurrent internal diseases were destroyed. In 23 cattle, the osteolytic bone was resected using a bone curette or hammer and chisel. Of these, the treatment was successful in 20 animals. The healing period ranged from 16-60 days when one claw was affected and from 43-53 days when two claws were affected. In five cattle, the digit was amputated.