Chlorpyrifos intoxication in a bull

A mature Brangus bull received the recommended dose of chlorpyrifos and became dull and inappetent 3 days later. Clinical findings included weakness, dehydration, rumen stasis, and rumen distention with fluid and gas. Blood cholinesterase activity was 25% of normal. The bull's condition improved after treatment with pralidoxime, antimicrobials, electrolyte solutions, vitamins, and adsorbents. Five weeks later, the bull had gained weight, the blood cholinesterase activity was 70% of normal, and the results of a semen evaluation indicated he was a satisfactory potential breeder.     

Factors affecting in-transit shrink and liver abscesses in fed steers

Live weight loss (shrink) and liver conditions (abscesses) were determined on 3,570 crossbred steers of predominantly British breeding over a 5-yr period. Starting in November 1979, steers were placed on feed at bimonthly intervals and provided one of three housing treatments: no shelter, access to overhead shelter or confinement. All steers were implanted with Synovex during the first 3 yr and Compudose the last 2 yr and fed a diet consisting of high-moisture corn grain, which provided 85% of the energy, and corn silage, along with a protein, vitamin and mineral supplement. Cattle were processed into beef after a feeding period of approximately 160 d. Year affected shrink (P less than .001), and month on feed and housing type tended to alter shrink. Cattle marketed during summer and fall and those outside without overhead shelter tended to shrink more. Year, month on feed and housing type affected liver condition (P less than .01). Cattle started on feed in November and January and cattle housed in confinement or outside without overhead shelter had higher incidences of liver abscesses and slower average daily gains (P less than .01). Daily gains for steers with normal and abnormal livers were not different (P greater than .19) for any month started on feed or housing treatment. These results indicate that under the conditions of this study a 2 or 3% weight loss should be expected during the marketing of finished steers and a 16% incidence of liver abscesses should be anticipated, with some modification of the latter due to time of year and housing. The presence of liver abscesses at the time of processing steers into beef did not reduce feedlot performance.     

Laryngeal granuloma in a bull.

Dyspnea in an adult bull caused by a large laryngeal granuloma was corrected by use of a surgical technique that allowed resection of the mass without ventral laryngotomy. Endoscopy was used for visualization of the mass during the oral surgery. The technique may be performed in the field.     

Intracranial lymphosarcoma in a Holstein bull

A 2-year-old Holstein bull was examined because of decreased appetite. Clinical signs included head tilt, circling, head pressing, ptosis, hypesthesia of the face, and dysfunction of the parasympathetic component of cranial nerve III. Necropsy revealed intracranial lymphosarcoma.     

Progressive ataxia in a Charolais bull

A 20-month-old Charolais bull was referred for evaluation of progressive hind limb ataxia. Clinical findings suggested a neuroanatomic lesion caudal to T2. Postmortem histologic examination revealed multifocal, acellular, pale, eosinophilic plaques throughout the cerebellum, which were diagnostic for the disease progressive ataxia of Charolais cattle. This disease is presumed to have a hereditary transmission and is not commonly recognized in the United States.     

Type-I diabetes mellitus in a bull

Although metabolic disorders are a frequent concern in cattle, they are not commonly recognized in bulls. The combination of hyperglycemia, acetonemia, ketonuria, and glycosuria in a bull was highly suggestive of diabetes mellitus. This uncommon diagnosis was confirmed by results of intravenous glucose tolerance testing. Results of the test and serum insulin values were further able to classify the disease in this bull as type-I diabetes mellitus.     

Preputial foreign body in a bull

A preputial foreign body caused severe preputial swelling and depression in a 4-year-old Shorthorn bull. Disruption of the preputial epithelium by the foreign body resulted in abscess formation lateral to the prepuce. A patent urethral fistula, probably a complication of prior fibropapilloma excisional surgery, was also detected on the distal portion of the glans penis. Foreign body removal, antimicrobial administration, and warm hydrotherapy resolved the swelling and abscess. Electroejaculation was used to extend the penis and to minimize preputial adhesions. Breeding soundness examinations were used to evaluate breeding potential.     

Echocardiographic diagnosis of endocarditis in a bull

A 2-year-old Charolais bull was examined because of lameness that developed after infection of a tail laceration. A systolic murmur was auscultated during the routine physical examination. A diagnosis of endocarditis and polyarthritis secondary to septicemia from the tail lesion was made. The diagnosis was supported by echocardiography and blood cultures, which yielded Corynebacterium pyogenes. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy.     

A Robertsonian translocations in the female cells of a bull, co-twin to a freemartin

A case of 1/29 chromosome translocation in a male calf of the Brown Swiss breed is reported. Except for the aggressive behavious, the subject showed clinically nothing peculiar. A post-mortem examination did not reveal any internal macroscopic malformation. Since many reports indicate that such a type of translocation, found in a wide range of breeds of Bos taurus of several countries, seems to be linked with a lowering of fertility, the authors feel that chromosome screening might play an important role in breeding programs in the immediate future.