Insulin resistance and abomasal motility disorders in cows detected by use of abomasoduodenal electromyography after surgical correction of left displaced abomasum

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between insulin concentrations and myoelectrical activity of the abomasum in cows with a left displaced abomasum (LDA). ANIMALS: 14 dairy cows with an LDA at the onset of lactation. PROCEDURE: During surgical correction of an LDA, 3 pairs of electrodes were placed in the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract (abomasal body, pars pylorica, and duodenum) of each cow. Electromyographic recordings were obtained once per day for 7 days. Samples were collected and tested to determine concentrations of insulin, glucagon, cortisol, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acids. RESULTS: All 14 cattle had high glucose and insulin concentrations at the time of admission, independent of ketosis. Concentrations of glucose and insulin decreased slowly after surgical treatment and were associated with a progressive increase in abomasoduodenal myoelectric activity. The 14 cows were allocated into 2 groups (suspected insulin-resistant cattle, n = 7; suspected non-insulin-resistant cattle, 7) on the basis of persistent hyperinsulinemia during the postoperative period. Seven days after surgery, the abomasoduodenal myoelectric patterns were still significantly lower for the insulin-resistant cows, compared with patterns for the non-insulin-resistant cows. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Insulin resistance appears to be common in cows with an LDA. Analysis of results of this study reveals that abomasal atony in cows with an LDA depends on persistence of high serum concentrations of insulin. Results of this study could provide an explanation for a pathogenetic factor of LDAs and the frequent relapses of cattle affected by this condition.     

Glucose tolerance test during abomaso-duodenal electromyography in three cows operated for left displaced abomasum

The objective of the study was to analyze glucose metabolism and abomasal myoelectrical activity during an intravenous glucose tolerance test in cows operated for LDA. Three dairy cows, at the onset of lactation, suffering from left displaced abomasum were selected from the animals presented at the clinic. During surgical therapy, one pair of electrodes was placed in the smooth muscle of the abomasal body, the pars pylorica and the duodenum respectively. The animals were subjected to electromyography on five occasions during hospital admittance (Days 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 post-operative); their insulin, glucagon, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate and NEFA levels were then measured. Two days after surgery, the animals were subjected to an intravenous glucose load (300 g glucose in 30 min) during abomaso-duodenal electromyography. The findings indicate that the three animals had glucose metabolism disorders during hospitalization. The abomaso-duodenal myoelectric activity of Cows 1 and 3 was lower than in Cow 2. During the glucose load, the analysis of hormones and metabolites showed that there were different degrees of reactivity and that myoelectric activity differed in the 3 cows. The results of the study suggest that despite the surgical reposition of the abomasum, disorders of abomasal motility persist in different degrees in cows operated for LDA and could be influenced by glucose administrations.     

Serum Amyloid A and Haptoglobin Concentrations and Liver Fat Percentage in Lactating Dairy Cows with Abomasal Displacement

Background: There has been increased interest in measuring the serum concentration of acute phase reactants such as serum amyloid A [SAA] and haptoglobin [haptoglobin] in periparturient cattle in order to provide a method for detecting the presence of inflammation or bacterial infection.
Objectives: To determine whether [SAA] and [haptoglobin] are increased in cows with displaced abomasum as compared with healthy dairy cows.
Animals: Fifty-four adult dairy cows in early lactation that had left displaced abomasum (LDA, n = 34), right displaced abomasum or abomasal volvulus (RDA/AV, n = 11), or were healthy on physical examination (control, n = 9).
Materials and Methods: Inflammatory diseases or bacterial infections such as mastitis, metritis, or pneumonia were not clinically apparent in any animal. Jugular venous blood was obtained from all cows and analyzed. Liver samples were obtained by biopsy in cattle with abomasal displacement.
Results: [SAA] and [haptoglobin] concentrations were increased in cows with LDA or RDA/AV as compared with healthy controls. Cows with displaced abomasum had mild to moderate hepatic lipidosis, based on liver fat percentages of 9.3 ± 5.3% (mean ± SD, LDA) and 10.8 ± 7.7% (RDA/AV). [SAA] and [haptoglobin] were most strongly associated with liver fat percentage, r _s=+0.55 ( P < .0001) and r _s=+0.42 ( P = .0041), respectively.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: An increase in [SAA] or [haptoglobin] in postparturient dairy cows with LDA or RDA/AV is not specific for inflammation or bacterial infection. An increase in [SAA] or [haptoglobin] may indicate the presence of hepatic lipidosis in cattle with abomasal displacement.     

Reduced Activity of Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase in the Serum of Cows with Ketosis and Left Displacement of the Abomasum

Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity was evaluated in sera from cows with ketosis and in some with left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) that occurred during early lactation. The enzyme activities of 652±214 U (mean±SD) in cows with ketosis (n = 6) and 683±110 U in those with LDA (n = 5) were significantly (p<0.01) decreased compared to those in healthy normal cows (994±65 U, n = 8). Serum concentrations of free cholesterol, cholesteryl esters (CE) and phospholipids were similarly decreased in the two diseases. Cows whose LCAT activity and CE concentration were lower than the normal values were detected while in the non-lactating stage, and some of these cows had ketosis after parturition. It is suggested that evaluation of the LCAT activity and of the CE concentration during the non-lactating stage would be useful in detecting cows that are susceptible to postparturient disorders such as ketosis.     

Effects of abdominal surgery on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and plasma anti-oxidative capacity in dairy cows

The present investigation was undertaken to study the effects of surgical stress on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) in dairy cows. Ten Holstein-Friesian dairy cows, mean age 5.26 years, admitted for treatment of left abomasal displacement (omentopexy), were used in our study. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein prior to surgery, immediately and then 15, 30, 60, 90 min, and 2, 5, 10, and 24 h after reposition of abomasum. Surgical stress resulted in a significant increase in plasma cortisol concentrations (P < 0.001) with the highest mean levels 15 min after surgery (32.4 +/- 18.1 microg/l) as well as in serum levels of glucose (P < 0.001) and non-esterified fatty acids (P < 0.001). Similarly, surgery transiently enhanced the plasma levels of TBARS (P < 0.001). The highest TBARS plasma levels (0.91 +/- 0.18 micromol/l) were recognized 60 min after reposition of abomasums. There were no significant differences in FRAP in dairy cows before and after reposition of abomasum. In conclusion, these data indicate that stress reaction caused by surgical correction of left displacement of abomasum can be associated with higher production of TBARS.     

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.     

Prevalence of endotoxemia in healthy postparturient dairy cows and cows with abomasal volvulus or left displaced abomasum

Left displaced abomasum (LDA) and abomasal volvulus (AV) occur most commonly in postparturient dairy cows. Our main hypothesis was that endotoxemia occurred more frequently in the peripheral blood of cows with LDA or AV than in healthy cows because increased luminal pressure in AV or LDA, or the presence of a hemorrhagic strangulating obstruction in AV, may have injured the abomasal mucosa, thereby facilitating translocation of luminal endotoxin into the circulation. Therefore, our main objective was to compare the prevalence and magnitude of endotoxemia in healthy postparturient cows with the prevalence and magnitude of endotoxemia in cows with AV and LDA. We examined 60 adult dairy cows in early lactation that were diagnosed with AV (n = 15) or LDA (n = 15) or were healthy on physical examination (control group, n = 30). Jugular venous blood was obtained from cows in all 3 groups, and right gastroepiploic venous blood was obtained during surgical correction of AV and LDA immediately after repositioning of the abomasum. Platelet-rich plasma endotoxin concentrations were measured with a chromogenic limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. Endotoxin was detected in jugular vein plasma in 50% (15/30) of control cows; however, the prevalence of endotoxemia was significantly lower (P < .05) in cows with AV (7%, 1/15) or LDA (20%, 3/15). Endotoxin was detected simultaneously in right gastroepiploic and jugular vein plasma in only 1 cow with LDA and 0 cows with AV. Contrary to our hypothesis, we conclude that endotoxemia is infrequently present in postparturient dairy cows with AV or LDA.     

产后酮病奶牛血液生化指征分析

为了比较产后一段时期内酮病奶牛与健康奶牛血液生化指标的差异,为奶牛酮病的防控及兽医临床诊治提供理论依据。本研究选取吴忠市某集约化奶牛场待产奶牛共30头进行为期3周的血液生化指标监测,根据β-羟丁酸（BHBA）的浓度将奶牛分为酮病组和对照组并进行比较研究。结果显示,酮病组与对照组在生产当天（0 d）各项检测指标未出现显著性差异;酮病组奶牛β-羟丁酸浓度在产后7 d时较对照组极显著升高（P<0.01）;天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）和总胆红素（T-bil）浓度在产后7 d和14 d时显著升高（P<0.05）;血糖（Glu）浓度在产后7 d时显著降低（P<0.05）,产后14 d时极显著降低（P<0.01）;钙（Ca）、磷（P）浓度无显著性差异,但均低于正常参考值范围,出现低血钙、低血磷症。经分析发现,本场奶牛所患酮病为Ⅱ型酮病,酮病牛高发胎次为3~6胎,产后低血钙、低血磷、低血糖现象严重,同时奶牛酮病引发了机体肝脏功能损伤,影响母牛生产性能。     

Minimally invasive field abomasopexy techniques for correction and fixation of left displacement of the abomasum in dairy cows.

To reduce the potential drawbacks associated with laparotomy techniques for correction and fixation of left displaced abomasums (LDA), minimally invasive techniques have been developed. This chapter reviews the toggle pin suture (TPS) and the laparoscopic abomasopexy procedures used in the field for correction and fixation of the abomasum for correction of left-displacement of the abomasum in dairy cows. The importance of case selection cannot be overestimated. By combining laparoscopy with the principle of the TPS procedure, the lack of visual control associated with the TPS procedure is eliminated, while the advantage of the speed of completion and minimal invasiveness provided by both procedures are maintained. Successful LDA treatment includes not only early detection and treatment of the LDA, but also the prevention of secondary ketosis and aggressive treatment of concurrent disease.     

Peripartum back fat thickness of multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows with displacement of the abomasum or ketosis

To establish a method to predict postpartum diseases using prepartum back fat thickness (BFT), the peripartum BFTs of 54 healthy multiparous cows before calving, which were diagnosed with postpartum displacement of the abomasum (DA), clinical ketosis or subclinical ketosis were compared with those of healthy cows from 8 weeks before the expected calving date to 8 weeks after calving. The peripartum BFTs of the cows with DA or clinical ketosis were significantly higher than those of healthy cows. The peripartum BFTs of the cows with subclinical ketosis were not significantly higher than those of the healthy cows.     

Blood parameters in Swedish dairy herds with high or low incidence of displaced abomasum or ketosis

Sixty dairy herds were studied to investigate the association between long-term incidence of displaced abomasum and clinical ketosis and body condition score and blood profiles, including parameters estimating energy metabolism and hepatic lipidosis in the periparturient period and early lactation. Blood samples were taken around parturition and in early lactation from cows without apparent clinical symptoms of metabolic disorders. A difference in metabolism between high and low incidence herds was shown post-partum by a lower metabolic index (the revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index, RQUICKI), and tendencies for higher concentrations of glucose, insulin and non-esterified fatty acids in the high incidence herds. High incidence herds had more cows and produced on average 1400kg energy-corrected milk per cow per year more than the low incidence herds. No differences were found in parameters reflecting liver cell damage. In the first 3weeks post-partum the RQUICKI was a more sensitive marker of herds with a high incidence of displaced abomasum and clinical ketosis than any of the individual parameters, but further research is needed before practical applications of the RQUICKI can be foreseen.     

Ⅰ型、Ⅱ型酮病对奶牛血液某些理化参数的影响

本试验旨在了解Ⅰ型、Ⅱ型酮病发生时奶牛体内某些理化参数的变化。在某集约化牛场随机选取产后7～28 d、平均胎次为2～3胎的试验奶牛,根据血浆中β-羟丁酸（BHBA）、葡萄糖（Glc）、游离脂肪酸（NEFA）的含量以及临床发病特点分为Ⅰ型酮病组（20头）、Ⅱ型酮病组（20头）和健康对照组（10头）。结果显示,三组间血浆中Glc、BH-BA、NEFA的浓度与体况评分存在显著差异（P＜0.05）,但三组试验奶牛的泌乳量、产后天数、血浆中胰岛素（INS）含量彼此间无显著性差异（P＞0.05）。Ⅰ型酮病、Ⅱ型酮病与健康对照组之间的理化参数存在显著差异,为深入探究奶牛Ⅰ型酮病与Ⅱ型酮临床病理学、早期检测和诊断以及详细的发病机理提供依据,为今后有效地预防奶牛Ⅰ型、Ⅱ型酮病奠定基础。     

Survival of dairy cows after surgery to correct abomasal displacement: 1. Clinical and laboratory parameters and overall survival

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical and laboratory consequences of left and right displacement of the abomasum (LDA and RDA), short- and long-term survival after surgery and the findings in cows, that could not be cured by omentopexy. Data from 564 cases of displaced abomasum (466 LDA, 98 RDA) were analysed retrospectively. Clinical and laboratory findings were compared between the two manifestations of DA. Survival was assessed after 10 days and after 15 months. Necropsy was carried out on cows that died or were killed. On arrival at the clinic, left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) cows had been recognized as diseased for longer. LDA occurred earlier in lactation, and more cows with right displacement of the abomasum (RDA) were pregnant. Overall clinical symptoms were more severe in RDA than in LDA cows. Heart rate was higher, body temperature was lower, inanition, abnormal faeces and ruminal stasis were more frequent in RDA cows. Leucocyte counts were higher, and potassium and chloride levels were lower in RDA cows. Acetonuria was more frequent in LDA cows. More LDA than RDA cows were released from the clinic as cured (82.0% versus 74.5%). However, survival after the early post-surgical period was similar for RDA and LDA cows. At necropsy, diseases of the gastrointestinal system were the predominant finding in RDA cows, while in LDA cows, diseases of the liver and other concurrent diseases were more important.     

Clinical paratuberculosis as a cause for higher culling rate in cows with left displaced abomasum and diarrhoea in a holstein dairy herd

The present report identifies a statistically significant (P < 0.001) higher postoperative culling rate in cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA) exhibiting diarrhoea, compared with cows with LDA and normal faeces from a large Holstein dairy herd (odds ratio = 34). Paratuberculosis was histopathologically confirmed in 77.0% of cows with LDA exhibiting diarrhoea.     

Evaluation of ornithine carbamoyl transferase and other serum and liver-derived analytes in diagnosis of fatty liver and postsurgical outcome of left-displaced abomasum in dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postsurgical outcome in dairy cows with left-displaced abomasum (LDA) with regard to severity of fatty liver and assess the usefulness of preoperative determination of serum ornithine carbamoyl transferase (OCT) activity, bile acids concentration, and other variables for evaluating liver function during the postsurgical convalescence period. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 68 Holstein cows. PROCEDURES: Blood and liver biopsy specimens were obtained during standing LDA surgery. Liver tissue was examined histologically and classified by severity of fatty change. Serum activities of liver-derived enzymes and concentrations of total lipids, triglycerides, bile acids, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, bilirubin, and nonesterified fatty acids were determined. RESULTS: Most cows with LDA and cows with severe fatty liver were detected within the first month after calving. Postsurgical outcome was related to severity of fatty liver. All cows that died had severe fatty liver. Serum activities of OCT, aspartate aminotransferase, and glutamate dehydrogenase and serum total bilirubin concentration were sensitive indicators of fatty liver. Serum bile acids concentration was not an accurate indicator of fatty liver. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Postsurgical outcome of cows undergoing surgery to correct LDA was related to fatty liver severity. Assessment of serum activities of OCT, aspartate aminotransferase, and glutamate dehydrogenase and serum total bilirubin concentration is recommended for diagnosis of fatty liver in dairy cows with LDA, whereas determination of bile acids concentration is not. The strong correlation between OCT activity and degree of hepatocellular damage supports use of this enzyme for assessing severity of fatty liver and predicting postsurgical outcome in cows with LDA.     

Milk yield and survival of Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle after laparoscopic correction of left-displaced abomasum

The milk yield and survival of 91 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows that had had a left-displaced abomasum (LDA) corrected laparoscopically were compared with those of 193 control cows matched for herd, parity and calving date. Ninety per cent of the LDA treatments were performed within four weeks after calving. The risk of being culled during the whole observational period of at least three years was 1.5 times greater for the LDA cows than for their matched herdmates (P<0.01). The risk of being culled in the current lactation was 1.8 times greater for the LDA cows (P=0.01), but risk of being culled after the next calving following the LDA correction was similar for both groups. For the lactation in which the LDA was corrected, there was no difference in the 305-day milk production of 80 of the LDA cows and 182 of the matched cows; however, the mean interval from calving to first service during the same lactation was longer for the LDA cows (115 v 98 days) and the mean calving interval was also longer (451 v 418 days).     

乳牛产后血浆瘦素动态与亚临床酮病的相关分析

对某奶牛场16头乳牛产前10d至产后56d血样的瘦素、酮体、葡萄糖、脂肪水平及其动态特征和相关性进行了检测。结果表明，血浆瘦素、血酮、血脂含量在不同乳牛和不同时间点之间均有显著差异。酮体在产后14～49d出现高峰，瘦素和血脂从产后第0d到产后第56d内逐渐升高。瘦素水平与血脂水平呈极显著正相关，血酮与血糖呈极显著负相关。亚临床酮病组乳牛的瘦素和血脂水平分别极显著或显著低于血酮正常组，其瘦素、血酮和血糖在试验期内的波动频率明显减少，跨度变长，瘦素在试验期内仅出现一个两端接近0、波峰不超过1．5ng／mL的波。证实，产后乳牛瘦素、血酮、血糖含量的低频率波动变化和产后8周内血浆瘦素跨时持久的单峰动态变化与乳牛亚临床酮病的发生有关。     

One-step laparoscopic abomasopexy for correction of left-sided displacement of the abomasum in dairy cows

Four adult dairy cows in which a diagnosis of left-displaced abomasum (LDA) had been made underwent a 1-step laparoscopic abomasopexy (LA). The technique was performed with each cow positioned in dorsal recumbency. Two laparoscopic portals were created in the right paramedian area to identify the abomasum and direct insertion of the steel trocar and cannula into the abomasal lumen. A stainless steel toggle pin (with 2 lengths of suture attached to its midpoint) was inserted via the cannula into the abomasal lumen while the excess suture material remained exterior to the abdomen. The abomasum was deflated, and the excess suture material was withdrawn up to a preset marker on the suture to position the abomasum adjacent to the body wall. The suture was then tied to secure the abomasum in place. By use of this 1-step LA technique, LDA was successfully corrected in all 4 cows. The procedure is minimally invasive and allows viewing of the abomasum for correct positioning and fixation; it can be accomplished with the speed associated with the blind roll-and-tack technique. The 1-step LA technique may reduce the incidence of complications associated with traditional laparotomy and the blind roll-and-tack technique and could be a useful alternative procedure for the treatment of LDA in dairy cows.     

Comparison of laparoscopic-guided abomasopexy versus omentopexy via right flank laparotomy for the treatment of left abomasal displacement in dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To compare results obtained by use of laparoscopyassisted abomasopexy versus omentopexy via right flank laparotomy for the treatment of dairy cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA). ANIMALS: 120 dairy cows with an LDA. PROCEDURE: In a prospective clinical trial, cows were randomly allocated to the abomasopexy group (laparoscopy-assisted abomasopexy) or to the control group (omentopexy via right flank). Data were obtained during the first 5 days after surgery and 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: 59 of 60 cows in the abomasopexy group and all 60 cows in the control group were treated successfully. Median duration was shorter for the laparoscopic procedure (27.5 minutes), compared with that for the control group (38 minutes). Five cows in the abomasopexy group had wound complications and 2 had LDA relapses, compared with 2 wound complications and no relapses in the control group. During the 5 days after surgery, the abomasopexy group had a significantly higher increase in rate of energy intake and milk yield and a more rapid return to reference range for serum glutamic dehydrogenase activity and total bilirubin concentration, compared with results for the control group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Success rates were almost equal for both methods. Advantages of the laparoscopic abomasopexy procedure include practicality, low risk of complications, and rapid postoperative recovery. Contraindications are cardiopulmonary diseases. Other disadvantages include the cost of the instruments and inability to perform the procedure in cows with abomasal adhesions.     

Comparison of 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy versus omentopexy via right flank laparotomy for the treatment of dairy cows with left displacement of the abomasum in on-farm settings

OBJECTIVE: To compare characteristics and results of 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy versus omentopexy via laparotomy in the right paralumbar fossa for the treatment of dairy cows with a left displaced abomasum (LDA). DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. 253 dairy cows with an LDA. PROCEDURES: All cows that were treated with omentopexy (n = 101) or 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy (152) from July 2005 through December 2006 were included. Presurgical, perisurgical, and postsurgical information was recorded by attending veterinarians. Producers were interviewed by telephone 7 and 60 days after surgery regarding the response of cows to surgery. Characteristics of and responses to the 2 surgical techniques were compared. RESULTS: At 7 days after surgery, the 2 groups of cows were not significantly different with respect to appetite, comfort, and milk yield; at 60 days after surgery, groups were similar with respect to milk yield, cull rates, and risk of relapse of LDA. Antimicrobial treatment in response to postsurgical pyrexia was necessary in only 20.4% (31/152) of cows that were treated with 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy. Mean duration (preparation and surgery) of 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy was significantly less than that of omentopexy (36 vs 74 minutes, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy and omentopexy via laparotomy in the right paralumbar fossa were not significantly different. Compared with omentopexy, laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy was performed more quickly and required postsurgical administration of antimicrobials less frequently. Although these factors may be of economic consequence to veterinarians and producers, other aspects must also be considered when choosing between techniques.