Infectious epiphysitis and valvular endocarditis in a red deer (Cervus elaphus)

A 10-month-old male red deer (Cervus elaphus) was presented with severe lameness and enlargement of the fetlock areas of both front and one hind legs. Radiographs demonstrated an epiphysitis and osteomyelitis of the distal metacarpal and metatarsal bones. Post mortem revealed pus containing Corynebacterium pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in the lesions, and an accompanying valvular endocarditis of the right atrioventricular valve.     

Infectious epiphysitis and valvular endocarditis in a red deer (Cervus elaphus)

A 10-month-old male red deer (Cervus elaphus) was presented with severe lameness and enlargement of the fetlock areas of both front and one hind legs. Radiographs demonstrated an epiphysitis and osteomyelitis of the distal metacarpal and metatarsal bones. Post mortem revealed pus containing Corynebacterium pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in the lesions, and an accompanying valvular endocarditis of the right atrioventricular valve.     

Evaluation of ethyl alcohol for use in a minimally invasive technique for equine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis

Objective: To determine whether intra‐articular 70% ethyl alcohol alone (IAEA) or in combination with 2 percutaneously placed transarticular lag screws (EA‐TLS) would result in arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Study Design: Experimental. Animals: Healthy horses (n=6), aged 1.5–3 years, free of lameness, diagonally paired front and hind PIP joints. Methods: Six milliliters 70% ethyl alcohol was injected into randomly selected diagonally paired front and hind PIP joints. Thirty days later, 2 parallel 5.5 mm cortical screws were inserted in lag fashion across the hind PIP joints and the limbs were cast. Horses were confined for 60 days after surgery before free exercise was permitted. Serial lameness examinations were performed at 1, 6, and 10 months. Radiographs of the PIP joints were obtained before injection with alcohol (front, hind PIP joints), at 6 and 10 months (front PIP joints) and 1, 3, 6, and 10 months (hind PIP joints). At 10 months, horses were euthanatized and gross and histopathologic examination of the treated joints was performed. Results: Horses had variable cartilage thinning (more severe in hind PIP joints) and dorsal bone proliferation. One front and 1 hind PIP joint were fused 10 months after alcohol injection. Conclusions: Ethyl alcohol injected alone or in combination with percutaneously placed transarticular lag screws failed to reliably produce fusion of the PIP joint.     

Osteochondrosis/osteoarthrosis and claw disorders in sows, associated with leg weakness

The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between different leg weakness symptoms and osteochondrosis/osteoarthrosis and claw disorders in sows together with the influence of age on these findings. One hundred and seventeen sows in one herd were followed from 6 months of age until culling and judged for leg weakness once in every gestation using a scale from 1 (normal) to 4 (severe changes). At slaughter changes in joints, growth plates and claws were scored on a scale from 1 (normal) to 5 (very severe changes). Osteoarthrotic changes were strongly associated with osteochondral changes in humeral and femoral condyles. The clinical signs of osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis were found to be: buck-kneed forelegs, turn out of fore and hind legs, upright pasterns on hind legs, stiff locomotion, lameness and tendency to slip. The clinical signs of claw lesions were found to be: buck-kneed forelegs, upright pasterns, steep hock joints, turn out of hind legs, standing under position on hind legs, stiff movements, swaying hindquarters, goose-stepping hind legs, tendency to slip and lameness. Overgrown claws were strongly associated with leg weakness indicating the need for claw trimming in sow populations.     

Leg weakness and osteochondrosis in pigs; differences between the sexes of four breeds

Clinical observations on leg weakness (1: sound, 5: severe defects or lameness) and pathological assessments on osteochondrosis (0: no lesions, 3 or 5: severe lesions) were carried out on pigs just before and after slaughter. The animals belonged to four breeds, viz. Duroc (D: 6 ♂, 12 ♀), Piétrain (P: 16 ♂, 6 ♀), Great Yorkshire (GY: 22 ♂, 13 ♀) and Dutch Landrace (NL: 6 ♂, 34 ♀, 44 ♂).Between breeds the leg weakness scores in boars' front legs showed minor differences (1.7–2.3); the hind legs showing more (3.0–3.8). In gilts the fore legs of the Piétrains showed the highest (3.7) incidence of defects. The hind legs in the D-gilts (2.5) scored best. The differences between the sexes were not of the same tenor in the various breeds.Between breeds within sexes, the D-breed and the GY-gilts showed the highest incidence of osteochondrosis in the fore legs; within the breeds the D, P and NL-gilts tended to be better than the corresponding boars. The boars' femur was less affected in the D (1.5) and NL-breeds (2.3) compared to the Piétrains (3.6) and GY (2.8). The gilts' medial femoral condyle showed the highest incidence of osteochondrosis in the P-breed (4.2). Within breeds the D and NL-boars were better than the gilts. The NL-barrows were the most affected within that breed.It was concluded that the degree of leg weakness and osteochondrosis of one sex in a breed cannot be translated to the other sex within that breed, nor to the same sex of another breed.     

Reliability of estrous detection in Holstein heifers using a radiotelemetric pedometer located on the neck or legs under different rearing conditions

To evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of estrous detection using a new pedometry system that can measure the hourly activity of cattle, pedometers were attached to the neck and the hind legs of 15 Holstein heifers. Heifers were reared in pasture for grazing, an open paddock, or in a tie-stall barn (an additional pedometer was attached to a front leg of each of these heifers). The most recent 24 h-total number of steps was compared for each 1 h-interval with the mean value of the preceding days during the reference period (RP). The neck pedometer detected all 10 instances of estrous activity (100%) for the grazing heifers at 1.3 times the thresholds value for a 5-day RP but with only 32% accuracy. The hind leg pedometer, however, obtained 100% efficiency and 83% accuracy at 1.4 times the threshold value for a 7-day RP. The efficiencies and accuracies in detecting 12 instances of estrous activity under the paddock condition were 92 and 65% (neck, 1.3-fold, 7-day RP) and 92 and 100% (hind leg, 1.6- or 1.7-fold, 7-day RP), respectively. Under the tie stall condition, the neck pedometers detected 92% of 23 instances of estrous activity with 34% accuracy (1.2-fold, 3-day RP), and the efficiencies and accuracies of the leg pedometers were 78 and 78% (hind leg, 1.4-fold, 4- or 6-day RP) and 87 and 83% (front leg, 1.4-fold, 7-day RP), respectively. Prediction of ovulation time was more precisely with the leg pedometers than with those under the tie stall conditions. Our preliminary results indicate that this new pedometer system has practical value for estrous detection in heifers under different rearing conditions, which affect the criteria required for detection. Furthermore, they also indicate that a leg pedometer can reliably detect estrus and that a neck pedometer may only be capable of detecting estrus under paddock rearing conditions.     

Pressure Distribution Under Paws of Chinchilla (Chinchilla Laniger)

The purpose of this study was to estimate the pressure distribution under the paws of chinchilla ( Chinchilla laniger ) using static pedobarography. We included in our study three healthy chinchilla aged 1–3 year, both sexes, weighted 480–570 g. We performed static pedobarography (PEL 38 podometer) in each chinchilla and we took into account standing on four legs or two hind legs. We found that on standing on four legs, two types of contact area with base in chinchilla exist: first type – the ring shape of contact area with base of forefeet with maximal pressure in forefeet at their central part and elliptic shape of foot contact area with base of hind legs (paws) with longer diameter about twice longer than the shorter one and with maximal pressure in hind legs at their posterior part (greater than pressure under forefoot paws), that a value was 98 g/cm² In the second type of foot contact area with base a pattern of hind legs was similar to that of forefeet. During standing on two hind legs we distinguished the another type (third) of foot contact area with base that was similar to the first type with the difference made by the fact that animal was standing only on hind paws. In each animal we found also the contact area with base of a tail – the contact area was similar to that of forefeet but the value of pressure was twice decreased. Concluding, the most frequent manner of contact area with base in chinchilla is 4 points contact with hind paws contact area twice greater than contact area of forefeet. Moreover, the fifth point of support can exist – a tail, which is mainly important during standing on the hind paws.     

The use of high-speed treadmills for lameness and hoof balance evaluations in the horse

Examination for lameness remains the most important component of the clinical evaluation for poor performance. Although conventional examinations can be used to diagnose many causes of lameness, treadmill video gait analysis and dynamic hoof balance evaluations have proved to be useful not only for evaluating lameness but also for maintenance of long-term soundness. Treadmill lameness evaluations offer a major advantage compared to conventional evaluations because of the stationary position of the exercising horse relative to the people performing the examination. Lameness is suspected if asymmetric motion is observed or asymmetric sounds of the feet contacting the tread surface are heard during the treadmill evaluation. Localization of lameness to the front or hind legs is the first step in the treadmill gait analysis protocol. In trotting and pacing horses, asymmetric movements associated with foreleg lameness generally are confined to the front end. In contrast to the pacing gait, asymmetric movements associated with hindlimb lameness can involve both the front and rear of the horse at the trot. The evaluation is continued to determine which side of the horse is abnormal. Viewed from the front, horses with primary forelimb lameness appear to have an asymmetric downward rotation of the torso, head, and neck away from the stiffer lame front leg toward the flexed normal leg as it contacts the tread surface. The lame hind leg can appear to be stiff relative to the opposite normal leg. This results in uneven side-to-side oscillations of the pelvis rotating away from the abnormal stiff-appearing hind leg toward the normal, flexed hind leg as it contacts the tread surface. Both front- and hind-leg lamenesses cause dissociation of the normal foot-fall sequence, resulting in the alteration of the normal two beat gait at the trot or the pace to a three-beat gait. The final step of the lameness examination involves the use of diagnostic regional anesthesia to determine the anatomic location of the lameness. Treadmill video gait analysis can be used to evaluate differences in the horse's gait before and after each anesthetic block. Optimal foot balance during exercise is critical for long-term maintenance of musculoskeletal soundness. Combining slow-motion video gait analysis with treadmill exercise provides an excellent method for evaluating hoof balance at a variety of speeds. Optimal hoof balance can be achieved by using the technique of successive trimming and re-evaluation. The principles of hoof balancing include establishing dorsopalmar or dorsoplantar hoof balance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

The occurrence of hereditary congenital arthromyodysplasia (arthromyodysplasia congenita hereditaria) in calves of the Hessian cattle population

The Arthromyodysplasia congenita hereditaria is marked by the flexion and fixation of the front leg joints. The statistic analysis of all available data from 536 calves showed that male calves and twins are significantly more affected. The course, duration and delivery date in the pregnancy of cows with arthromyodysplastic calves showed no peculiarity. Concomitant defects of arthromyodysplasia of the forelimbs were spine- and heart defects and neuromyodysplasia of the hind legs. Three bulls KUR, KER and ALD were ancestors of 37% of all registered calves. This frequency of arthromyodysplasia in the bloodline of these three bulls seem to be a sign for a genetic factor with a strong penetrance in male calves.     

Total body and regional measurements of bone mineral content and bone mineral density in pigs by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to make total body and regional measurements of bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and bone area during the growth of pigs from 3 to 138 kg. In all, 1,053 total body scans were performed on 587 live pigs. Regional measurements consisted of the front legs, trunk, and back legs. In addition, bone mineral density readings were recorded for the head, pelvis, spine, and ribs. From about 5 to 75 kg, a greater percentage of the total body bone mineral content (BMC) was located in the trunk region. However, the percentage of BMC in the front and back legs continued to increase linearly whereas the percentage of BMC in the trunk region peaked at about 25 kg and then decreased logarithmically. Allometric analysis revealed that up to about 30 kg the BMC increased more rapidly in the trunk region compared to the front or back leg regions (P > 0.05), but after 30 kg the increase in BMC was more rapid in the leg regions (P < 0.05). Overall, the rate of increase in BMC in the back legs was slightly more than in the front legs (P > 0.05). Positive allometric growth of BMC was observed when compared with the increase in bone area for the same region. By far, the highest measured level of bone mineral density (BMD) was in the head region (P < 0.05), followed in order by the front legs, spine, back legs, pelvis, and ribs. Over the entire range of growth from 3 to 138 kg, the highest relative growth coefficient for the increase in BMD occurred in the pelvic and back leg regions and the lowest was in the ribs (P < 0.05). For pigs < 30 kg, the highest growth coefficient for BMD relative to BW was in the spine (P > 0.05). The growth coefficients for BMD in the back legs and total body increased in pigs > 30 kg and those of the front legs and trunk regions decreased.     

An outbreak of neurofilariosis in young goats

An outbreak of cerebrospinal microfilariosis in 23 kids, representing a whole kid crop, occurred on a farm in Qassim, Central Saudi Arabia. The morbidity and mortality rates were 100%. Clinical signs, in kids from the fourth to sixth week of age, manifested as weakness in the hind legs followed by incoordination of movement and feet dragging. Seven to ten days later, the hind legs were completely paralyzed, and within a week the front legs were also paralyzed. The animals continued to feed, drink and suckle normally, and were in good health. Paralyzed kids were helped to suckle by the farm attendants. With time, loss of control of motor functions occurred and the ability to hold the head in upright position was lost, ability to eat or drink was lost. The infected kids health deteriorated and they eventually died. Two dead kids were postmortemed. With the exception of a meningeal haemorrhage seen in one kid, no obvious macroscopic lesions were seen in any of the autopsied animals. Histopathological examination of the spinal cord and brain showed different microfilaria of different sizes between the meninges and the nervous tissue. This indicated that development of the parasite occurred in the nervous tissue. The larger microfilaria contained black deposits, most likely to be digested blood, in their guts. It is likely that the parasites are haematophagus. The main lesions caused by the microfilaria were migratory traumatic haemorrhagic tracts in the spinal cord and the brain. These sometimes contained parts of the microfilariae. In the brain malacic lesions and sporadic aggregates of lymphocytes were also noted.     

地中海奶水牛乳房形态结构与泌乳性能的关联分析

本研究通过分析不同胎次乳房性状之间的相关性以及乳房性状与泌乳性能之间的相关性,建立地中海奶水牛乳房线性性状的入选主成分评估模型,为培育具有优良乳房性状的高产奶水牛提供参考。收集意大利牧场123头地中海水牛共1 107条生产记录信息,利用SAS 9.2 CORR过程进行相关性分析,运用PRINCOMP过程建立入选主成分评估模型。结果表明,1~4胎时,270 d泌乳量随着胎次的增加而增加;在1~2胎时,前乳头长与后乳头长呈极显著正相关（P<0.01）;3胎及3胎以上时,前乳头长与后乳头长呈显著正相关（P<0.05）;1~4胎时,乳区面积与前乳头距、前后乳头距、后乳头距呈极显著正相关（P<0.01）,且前乳头距与后乳头距呈极显著正相关（P<0.01）;在≥ 4胎时,前后乳头距与泌乳量、乳蛋白量呈显著正相关（P<0.05）,并与乳脂量呈极显著正相关（P<0.01）,同时乳区面积与泌乳性能呈显著正相关（P<0.05）;在第1~2、4胎及以上时,泌乳量、乳蛋白量和乳脂量之间呈极显著正相关（P<0.01）,且在第3胎时泌乳性能之间呈显著正相关（P<0.05）。入选主成分评估模型为：Y=0.2631x1+0.1186x2+0.0862x3+0.0796x4+0.1039x5+0.0042x6-6.9689,式中,x1,前乳头长;x2,后乳头长;x3,前乳头距;x4,前后乳头距;x5,后乳头距;x6,乳区面积。本研究进一步阐明了地中海奶水牛不同胎次乳房性状之间存在相关性,而乳房性状与泌乳性能之间的相关性受胎次的影响。     

Arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint: a biomechanical comparison of three 4.5-mm and two 5.5-mm cortical screws

OBJECTIVE--To compare the biomechanical characteristics and mode of failure of 2 parallel-screw techniques for proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in horses. STUDY DESIGN--Randomized block design, blocking for horse (1-5), method of screw fixation (three 4.5-mm vs two 5.5-mm), side (left limb vs right limb), and end (front limb vs hind limb). Constructs were loaded to failure in 3-point bending in a dorsal-to-palmar (plantar) direction. SAMPLE POPULATION--Twenty limbs (10 limb pairs) from 5 equine cadavers. METHODS--A combined aiming device was used to facilitate consistent screw placement. Three parallel 4.5-mm cortical screws were placed in lag fashion in 1 limb of a pair, and 2 parallel 5.5-mm cortical screws were placed in lag fashion in the contralateral limb. Arthrodesis constructs were tested in 3-point bending in a dorsal-to-palmar (plantar) direction using a materials-testing machine. Loading rate was 19 mm/s. Maximal bending moment at failure and composite stiffness were obtained from bending moment-angular deformation curves. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and chi(2) analysis. RESULTS--There were no significant differences in bending moment (P >.05, power = 0.8 @ delta = 19%) or composite stiffness (P >.05, power = 0.8 @ delta = 19%) between the 2 fixation techniques. Higher maximal bending moment was found in front limbs than hind limbs, and front limbs with two 5.5-mm screws than hind limbs with two 5.5-mm screws. In all cases, constructs completely failed. A greater number of 4.5-mm cortical screws failed than 5.5-mm cortical screws. CONCLUSIONS-In pastern arthrodesis constructs loaded in 3-point bending, end (front limb vs hind limb) affected maximal bending moment at failure of constructs. There was no significant effect of horse, treatment, or side on maximal bending moment or stiffness. Two 5.5-mm cortical screws should provide a surgically simpler pastern arthrodesis than three 4.5-mm cortical screws while maintaining similar biomechanical characteristics. CLINICAL RELEVANCE--Three 4.5-mm screws or two 5.5-mm screws will provide similar biomechanical characteristics in bending when performing equine pastern arthrodesis.     

Phalangeal and navicular bone hypoplasia and hoof malformation in the hind limbs of a foal

Anatomical anomalies in the hind feet of a seven month old Appaloosa foal were identified and investigated through the use of gross anatomical dissection, radiography and angiography. Abnormalities were restricted to the distal aspect of both hind legs, the right hind leg being more severely affected. Anatomically the right foot resembled that of an equine fetus of approximately 120 days gestational age. Disruption of vascular perfusion to hoof structures was evident in both hind legs and was related to areas of abnormal bone conformation as well as to areas of abnormal ossification and calcification. Phalangeal and navicular bone hypoplasia were apparent as were soft tissue and joint anomalies. Although the etiology of the defects identified remains obscure, several theories are suggested, namely heritability, acquired defects and the possible teratogenic effects of clenbuterol.     

Body and claw measurements as well as pressure distribution under the claws in heifers of different cattle breeds

In 56 heifers of the three breeds German Holstein (GH), German Brown (GB) und German Red (GR) the body weight and height were determined at the age of 350 to 550 days in intervals of 6 to 8 weeks. At the right front limb and the left hind limb the claw measurements dorsal wall length, diagonal length, heel length and height, the angle of the dorsal wall and the hardness of the claw were taken. Furthermore, the punctual pressure under the medial and the lateral claw of the right front limb and the left hind limb were determined using an electronic measuring system. The GH heifers weighing 387.3 kg on an average and having a mean height of 132.3 cm at the sacral bone in the course of the present study were the heaviest and tallest breed at the age of 12 to 18 months. GB had a weight of 366.2 kg and 106.2 cm height at the sacral bone. The GR were the smallest breed (126.0 cm) and weighed 337.7 kg. The heel at the front limb was on the average 1 cm shorter than at the hind limb and it was 0.5 cm lower. The angle of the dorsal border was 4-5 degrees higher at the hind limb. The GR had the flattest claws. The animals showed a larger average weight load on the medial claws than on the lateral claws especially of the front limbs. The highest pressures per cm2 were found underneath the rear part of the medial claw in all breeds. At the front limb, the GB showed significantly higher average pressures per cm2 under the front sectors of the claws than GH and GR, while the other values did not differ significantly between the breeds. The GH tended to have lower average pressures per cm2 underneath the claws of the hind limb, but this was only significant at the front medial sector of the claw.     

Factor analysis of body measurements in Arabian horses

Data of 13 body measurements have been analysed from 166 Arabian horses, 123 mares and 43 stallions, ranging from 49 to 298 months of age, belonging to Alzahraa stud, Cairo, Egypt. General linear model was used to study age and gender effects on these measures. Gender was a significant source of variation for most studied traits, but not for neck girth, cannon bone circumference of fore and hind legs, and pastern girth of fore and hind legs. Age significantly affected pastern girths of fore and hind legs and cannon bone circumference of fore legs, while there was no significant effect on the other measurements. Pearson correlations, adjusted for age effect, between measurements were estimated and ranged from 0.02 to 0.84 for mares and from ?0.05 to 0.90 for stallions. Factor analysis with promax rotation for each gender was carried out to derive fewer independent common factors. Three factors were extracted which accounted for 66% and 67% of the total variance in mares and stallions respectively. The first, second and third factors in mares tended to describe body thickness, leg thickness and general size respectively; whereas in stallions they tended to differentiate among general size, leg thickness and body thickness respectively. The three extracted factors for each gender determine the main sources of shared variability that control body conformation in Arabian horses. These factors could be considered in selection programmes to acquire highly coordinated bodies in pure Arabian horses with fewer measurements.     

Body and claw measurements and pressure distribution under the claws in calves of different cattle breeds

In 58 female calves of the three breeds German Holstein (GH), German Brown (GB) and German Red (GR) the body weight and height were determined at the age of 79 to 188 days. At the right front limb and the left hind limb the following claw measurements were taken: dorsal border length, diagonal length, heel length and height, angle of the dorsal border and hardness of the claw horn. Furthermore, the punctual pressure under the medial and the lateral claw of the right front limb and the left hind limb were determined using an electronic measuring system. The GH calves weighing 136.8 kg were heavier than GB, which was the tallest breed with 106.2 cm height at the sacral bone. GR calves were the smallest (99.1 cm) and weighed 121.1 kg. The length of the diagonal and the angle of the dorsal border were smaller at the hind limb of all breeds which resulted in a smaller area of ground surface for the claw of this limb. The GR calves had the longest and flattest claws. The GB showed the highest pressures per cm2 at the front limb with 25.6 N/cm2 under both claws as well as at the hind limb with 26.7 N/cm2. The AR had the smallest pressure load with 20.8 N/cm2 at the front limb and 20.2 N/cm2 at the hind limb. The animals showed a larger relative weight load and area of ground surface on the medial claws of the front and hind limbs than on the lateral claws. The highest pressures were found underneath the rear part of the medial claw in all breeds. GB calves showed the highest average pressures (33.3 N/cm2 at the front limb) while GR calves had the lowest (26.3 N/cm2 at the hind limb). GR calves had the highest claw hardness at all measuring positions.     

Epidemiologic, clinical and pathologo-anatomic studies of the inflammation of the carpal joint extensors in cattle

A retrospective study of 24 cases of inflammation of carpal extensors (m. extensor carpi radialis, m. extensor digitorum communis, m. abductor digiti I longus) was conducted. The findings of anamnestic, clinical, and post-mortem investigations are described. Half of the patients were first calf heifers at the ages of 2 1/2 to 3 years. The rest of the animals were older cows (with one exception). In all of the young cows the disease had become apparent within 11 weeks post partum. The most striking clinical finding is the posture of the animals when lying down: the affected forelimbs are extended forward. Palpation reveals a homogeneous firm swelling of the cranial portion of the forearm. Most of the patients also had pododermatitis in hind and/or front legs, and exhibited signs of a systemic reaction in the form of "polysynovitis" and raised serum total protein concentrations. Post mortem examination revealed a hemorrhagic edematous impregnation of the distal part of the radial carpal extensor muscle and particularly of its fascia. The tendon and tendon sheath had unclear contours and were swollen. Histologically the lesions are typical of subacute granulating inflammation. As to the cause, it is assumed that the ailment is a significant complication of some other disease of the locomotion system. Type and localization of the lesions suggest a traumatic etiology. Therapeutic results have been unsatisfactory.     

The effects of cold stress on neonatal calves. I. Clinical condition and pathological lesions.

Newborn Holstein-Friesian calves were cold stressed by immersion in water at 15 to 17 degrees C until the core body temperature was lowered by 10 degrees C. Non-cold stressed calves were immersed in water at thermoneutral temperature (35 to 37 degrees C). The time required to lower the core body temperature of the cold stressed calves by 10 degrees C was 172 +/- 87 minutes (mean +/- SD). The time required for the core body temperature of the cold stressed calves to return to normal after immersion was 400 +/- 140 minutes (mean +/- SD). Differences were observed between cold and noncold stressed calves in the shivering response during immersion and the clinical condition after immersion. Cold-induced pathological lesions were confined to tissues located peripherally, particularly in the hind legs. Significant differences were observed between cold and noncold stressed calves in the incidence of subcutaneous edema in the ventral sternum (P less than or equal to 0.025), subcutaneous hemorrhage in the hind legs (P less than or equal to 0.025), synovitis (P less than or equal to 0.025) and hemorrhage (P less than or equal to 0.05) of the synovial membranes of the hock joints and hemorrhage (P less than or equal to 0.05) into the hock joint cavities.     

The impact of elbow and knee joint lesions on abnormal gait and posture of sows

Background

Joint lesions occur widespread in the Danish sow population and they are the most frequent cause for euthanasia. Clinically, it is generally impossible to differentiate between various types of non-inflammatory joint lesions. Consequently, it is often necessary to perform a post mortem examination in order to diagnose these lesions. A study was performed in order to examine the relation of abnormal gait and posture in sows with specific joint lesions, and thereby obtaining a clinical diagnostic tool, to be used by farmers and veterinarians for the evaluation of sows with joint problems.

Methods

The gait, posture and lesions in elbow- and knee joints of 60 randomly selected sows from one herd were scored clinically and pathologically. Associations between the scorings were estimated.

Results

The variables ''fore- and hind legs turned out'' and ''stiff in front and rear'' were associated with lesions in the elbow joint, and the variables ''hind legs turned out'' and ''stiff in rear'' were associated with lesions in the knee joint.

Conclusion

It was shown that specified gait and posture variables reflected certain joint lesions. However, further studies are needed to strengthen and optimize the diagnostic tool.