The level of serum ionised calcium, aspartate aminotransferase, insulin, glucose, betahydroxybutyrate concentrations and blood gas parameters in cows with left displacement of abomasum

The purpose of this study was to determine concentrations of serum glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), insulin, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOH) and ionised calcium (Ica) in dairy cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA) and to compare these parameters before and after surgical correction of LDA. Eighteen Swiss-Holstein dairy cows with LDA were used in this study. Clinically healthy post parturient cows (n: 10) from a local dairy farm were used as control group. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein from all the cows. Surgery was performed in cows with LDA. Blood samples from cows with LDA were collected 24 hours after surgery. The abomasum was repositioned followed by an omentopexy. Six of the 18 cows with LDA had clinical ketosis as detected with urine dipstick. The mean concentrations of insulin, BOH, glucose and AST in cows with LDA at admission time were increased compared with the healthy cows. But the mean concentration of ICa at admission time was slightly decreased compared with healthy cows. The mean BOH concentration was decreased 24 hours following surgery compared with values on admission time. However, the mean serum AST levels were increased both at admission time and 24 hours after surgery compared with healthy cows. The levels of blood gas parameters in cows with LDA were not significantly different in comparison with healthy cows, although hyperbasemia in six of 18 cows with LDA was determined. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that serum insulin, glucose, AST and BOH levels were increased in dairy cows with LDA. Serum BOH and ICa levels were decreased 24 hours after surgery compared with values on admission time. All cows with LDA used in this study had subclinical/clinical ketosis. We could say that ketosis might be a risk factor for the displacement of the abomasum.     

Long‐term prognosis of gastrojejunostomy in foals with gastric outflow obstruction: 16 cases (2001–2006)

Reasons for performing study: It has been suggested that the success of gastric bypass surgery in foals for the treatment of gastric outflow obstruction is poor. However, few reports exist evaluating the long‐term prognosis of these cases. Objectives: To determine the long‐term success of foals, including racing records, surgically treated for gastric outflow obstruction secondary to gastroduodenal ulceration. Methods: Medical records of foals undergoing surgical treatment of gastric outflow obstruction secondary to gastroduodenal ulceration were evaluated for clinical information. Owners, trainers and race records were evaluated regarding long‐term survival and racing success. Results and conclusions: Sixteen foals were included in the study, all treated with a gastrojejunostomy. All foals survived to immediate discharge from the hospital; 8 survived to racing age, with 7 of those entering training and 3 actually racing. Foals that did not survive to racing age had various post operative complications. The success rate for these foals appears somewhat better than that previously reported. Potential relevance: Gastrojejunostomy for the treatment of gastric outflow obstruction, secondary to gastric ulceration, is a valid treatment option for foals.     

Odds of moderate or severe gastric ulceration in racehorses receiving antiulcer medications

OBJECTIVE: To determine the odds of moderate or severe gastric ulceration in racehorses treated with various antiulcer medications. DESIGN: Unmatched case-control study. ANIMALS: 798 horses in active race training (252 Thoroughbreds and 546 Standardbreds). Only horses that had been receiving a single antiulcer medication or no antiulcer medication for at least 2 weeks prior to examination were included. PROCEDURE: Gastroscopy was performed on each horse by a single individual who was not aware of the horses' antiulcer treatments, and severity of gastric ulceration was scored. Signalment and medication history were recorded. Logistic regression was used to determine whether identification of moderate or severe ulceration was associated with treatment, age, breed, or sex. Treatments were grouped as no treatment, buffer, sucralfate, histamine type 2 receptor antagonist, compounded omeprazole, proprietary omeprazole at a low dosage, and proprietary omeprazole at a high dosage. RESULTS: Only proprietary omeprazole was associated with significantly lower odds of moderate or severe ulceration, compared with no treatment. Risks of moderate or severe gastric ulceration in horses receiving a buffer, sucralfate, a histamine type 2 receptor antagonist, or compounded omeprazole were not significantly different from risks in horses receiving no antiulcer medication. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that the proprietary formulation of omeprazole was associated with a significantly lower risk of moderate or severe gastric ulceration, compared with no treatment, in racehorses in active race training, whereas other antiulcer medications were not.     

The prevalence of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand

AIM: To establish the prevalence and factors influencing the prevalence and severity of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand. METHODS: Horses (n=171) in active training for racing by trainers (n=24) located throughout New Zealand were examined using gastroscopy during 2003 and 2004. Images of the examination were recorded and reviewed, and an ordinal grade based on the severity of gastric ulceration present was assigned, using the grading system proposed by the Equine Gastric Ulcer Council (EGUC). Information about the horses such as age, breed, sex, stabling, time at pasture, pasture quality, and presence of clinical signs consistent with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) was recorded. RESULTS: Of the 171 horses in the study, 133 (78%) were Thoroughbreds and 38 (22%) were Standardbreds. Evidence of gastric ulceration was present in 151 (88.3%) of these. Prevalence of ulceration was higher at the lesser curvature (LC) and greater curvature (GC) of the stomach than at the saccus caecus (SC; p<0.01), and ulceration was more severe at the LC than at either the GC (p=0.02) or the SC (p<0.001). The prevalence of ulceration did not differ between the two breeds (p=0.51) or between horses of differing ages (p=0.56). Gastric ulceration was evident in 125/141 (89%) horses kept at pasture for at least 4 h/day, in all 13 (100%) horses kept at pasture full time, and in 16/17 (94%) horses stabled full time. Prevalence and severity of ulceration did not differ between horses stabled full time, kept at pasture for part of the day or kept at pasture full time (p=0.33 and 0.13, respectively), and for horses grazed on pasture severity of ulceration did not vary significantly with the quality of the pasture (p=0.12). Neither prevalence (p=0.26) nor severity (p=0.49) of gastric ulceration varied significantly with duration of training. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand is similar to that reported elsewhere for horses in active training for racing. Access to pasture for some or all of the day did not appear to be protective.     

Factors influencing the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in lactating dromedary camels in Riyadh Region,Saudi Arabia

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in camels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the factors influencing its incidence. A total of 740 quarter milk samples were collected from 47 camel herds belonging to Majahim, Maghatir, Shu’l, and Sufer breeds. California mastitis test (CMT) was used as a screening test for subclinical mastitis. Samples giving negative or trace CMT scores (0) were assigned to healthy quarters, while those giving positive scores of 1+ to 3+ were assigned to subclinically affected quarters. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of breed, parity, and stage of lactation with the prevalence of subclinical mastitis. Milk fat, protein, lactose, solid nonfat percentages and Na, Ca, and K concentrations were compared in CMT-positive versus healthy quarters. One third (33%) of tested quarters had subclinical mastitis based on CMT. The estimated probability of subclinical mastitis with the combined effects of breed, parity, and stage of lactation ranged from 15.8% to 54.6%. The risk of subclinical mastitis increased significantly with parity and with the early stage of lactation. The Shu’l breed had significantly higher prevalence of subclinical mastitis than other breeds. Significant decreases in protein, lactose, and solid nonfat, Ca and K concentrations and increase in Na concentrations were associated with subclinical mastitis. In conclusion, subclinical mastitis is prevalent in Saudi camels, and its incidence is influenced by breed, parity, and stage of lactation.     

Study on risk factors and their association with subclinical mastitis in lactating dairy cows in Trinidad

A cross-sectional study was conducted on dairy farms in eight milking centres in Trinidad to determine the prevalence of risk factors for mastitis and to assess their relationship to occurrence of subclinical mastitis. The California mastitis test (CMT) was used to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis by estimating the somatic cell counts in bulk and composite milk. Of a total of 177 dairy farms studied, 121 (68.4%), 39 (22.0%) and 17 (9.6%) practised semi-intensive, extensive and intensive management systems, respectively. A total of 129 (72.9%), 37 (20.9%) and 11 (6.2%) farms milked cows in parlours, stanchions and pasture/out-on-field, respectively. Based on sanitary practices, 40 (22.6%), 123 (69.5%), and 14 (7.9%) farms were classified as good, fair, and poor, respectively, while 76 (42.9%) and 60 (33.9%) farms reported to rarely experience and frequently experience water shortages, respectively. Amongst the 177 farms, only seven (4.0%) used machine-milking primarily, 152 (85.9%) screened for mastitis as a routine, 18 (10.2%) teat dipped, and 49 (27.7%) practised dry cow therapy. To detect mastitis, of 152 farms involved, 20 (13.2%) used the strip cup while only two (1.3%) employed the CMT. Pipe-borne water delivered directly from the hose was the only source of water to 91 (51.4%) farms while seven (4.0%) and eight (4.5%) farms used only well and surface water (ponds and rivers), respectively. Based on bulk milk samples, the farm prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 60.5% (107 of 177) with a range from 33.3% (centre 5H) to 100.0% (centre 2B). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01; chi 2). However, using composite milk, the farm prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 52.5% (93 of 177) with a range from 21.2% (centre 5H) to 92.9% (centre 2B) and again, the difference in prevalence was statistically significant (P < 0.001; chi 2). Subclinical mastitis was detected in 150 (45.0%) of 333 lactating cows screened and the range of prevalence was from 17.9% (centre 5H) to 56.3% (centre 1C). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001; chi 2). Of a total of 14 risk factors for mastitis studied which were related to animal husbandry, personnel, mastitis control and water, only two, the herd size and practice of dry cow therapy were significantly (P < 0.05; chi 2) associated with subclinical mastitis. It was concluded that the high prevalence of subclinical mastitis in Trinidad dairy herds could significantly reduce milk production with associated economic loss. Although a majority of the risk factors studied were not found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of subclinical mastitis possibly due to confounding factors, the need to eliminate or reduce these risk factors cannot be over-emphasized.     

Prevalence of gastric ulcers in show horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence and risk factors for gastric ulcers in show horses. DESIGN: Field survey. ANIMALS: 50 horses in active training that had been transported to at least 1 event in the 30 days prior to endoscopy. PROCEDURE: Interview of owner, physical examination, serum biochemical analysis, CBC, and gastric endoscopy were performed. RESULTS: Gastric ulceration was detected in 58% of the horses. Horses with a nervous disposition were more likely to have ulceration than quiet or behaviorally normal horses. Horses with gastric ulceration had significantly lower RBC counts and hemoglobin concentrations than those without ulceration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Show horses have a high prevalence of gastric ulceration. Lower RBC counts and hemoglobin concentrations may be the result of chronic gastric ulceration.     

Associations between age or sex and prevalence of gastric ulceration in Standardbred racehorses in training

OBJECTIVE: To determine associations between age, sex, or medical treatment and prevalence and severity of gastric ulceration in Standardbred racehorses in training. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 224 Standardbred racehorses in training. PROCEDURE: Gastroscopy was performed on each horse, and mucosal ulceration was graded from 0 (normal mucosa, no lesions) to 3 (extensive, often coalescing, lesions with areas of deep ulceration). Associations between age, sex, or treatment and prevalence and severity of ulcers were evaluated. RESULTS: Prevalence of gastric ulceration was 87%. Although there was little association between age and prevalence of ulcers, there was an association between age and severity of ulcers. Most 2-year-old horses (57.7%) had an ulcer score of 0 or 1. In all other age groups, most (58% to 82.61%) of horses had an ulcer score of 2 or 3. Although overall prevalence of ulceration was comparable among sex groups, the relative risk for gastric ulceration increased with age in castrated males, whereas it decreased in females and sexually intact males. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gastric ulceration is common in Standardbred horses in race training. Severity is higher in horses > or = 3 years of age than in 2-year-old horses. Relative risk for ulceration increases with age in castrated males.     

Prevalence of gastric ulcers in Thoroughbred broodmares in pasture: a preliminary report

Gastroscopic examinations were performed in 62 Thoroughbred broodmares (33 pregnant, 29 non-pregnant) at one breeding farm to investigate the prevalence of gastric ulceration. Age, pregnancy status, race earnings, last race start, herd size, medical history, number of live foals, breeding years, feed type and number of feedings were recorded, plus coat condition and body condition score were determined. Twenty-one mares were re-evaluated after foaling, and the foaling date, foal weight at birth and placenta weight were recorded.The overall prevalence of gastric ulcers was 70.9%, with a median ulcer score of 3.0 (range: 2–5). Most ulcers were present on the squamous portion of the stomach, while two mares had glandular ulcers. There were no differences in the presence, location and severity of gastric ulcers between pregnant and non-pregnant mares. Furthermore, there were no significant associations between the variables measured and the presence of gastric ulceration. The prevalence of gastric ulceration in this specific population of horses was higher than expected and further investigation is warranted to determine the factors that contributed to this finding.     

The Effect of Misoprostol on Aspirin-Induced Gastroduodenal Lesions in Dogs

Misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E₁, analog, is effective in treating and preventing nonsteroidal antiin-flammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastrointestinal lesions in humans. The effectiveness of misoprostol in preventing aspirin-induced gastroduodenal injury was studied in 3 groups of 6 adult mixed breed dogs. Group I received 3 μg/kg misoprostol PO tid. Group II received 3 μg/kg misoprostol PO tid and 35 mg/kg aspirin PO tid. Group III received 35 mg/kg aspirin PO tid. Endoscopy was performed on days 0, 5, 14, and 30. Five regions of the upper gastrointestinal tract were qualitatively scored from 1 to 12 based on the presence of submucosal hemorrhage, erosion, or ulceration, with ulceration receiving a higher numerical score than submucosal hemorrhage. A total score was assigned based on the sum of the scores from all regions. Comparisons among groups on each day were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Differences within a group among different time periods were determined using appropriate multiple comparisons. Significant difference in mean gastroduodenal lesion score was found among all groups at 5, 14, and 30 days. Mean total score on days 5, 14, and 30 were as follows: group 1,5.0,5.2, 9.0; group II, 12.0, 12.7, 16.2; and group III, 26.0, 23.8, 21.5, respectively. Significant differences within a group among different time periods were found from days 0 to 5 in groups I and II, and from days 14 to 30 in group I. It was concluded that misoprostol effectively decreased endoscopically detectable mucosal lesions in dogs given aspirin.     

Gastroduodenal ulceration in foals

Gastroduodenal ulceration is becoming recognised as an important disease in foals during the first few months of life. Aetiopathogenesis is presumed to be similar to peptic disease in humans associated with back diffusion of hydrogen ions into the mucosa. Many factors have been incriminated as predisposing foals to ulceration but few have been proven. To date, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents has been the only documented cause of gastroduodenal ulceration in foals. The clustering of affected foals on certain farms suggests an infectious aetiology but attempts to identify a causative organism have been unsuccessful. Four clinical syndromes defined for foals with gastroduodenal ulceration include: silent ulcers, which occur most often in the non-glandular stomach along the margo plicatus and are identified as incidental findings at necropsy; active ulcers which are often manifested by abdominal pain, excessive salivation and bruxism; perforating ulcers which usually result in a severe, diffuse peritonitis; and pyloric or duodenal obstruction from a healing ulcer. General approaches to therapy of a foal with active ulceration consist of reduction of gastric acidity and enhancement of mucosal protection. Antacids and type 2 histamine receptor antagonists are used most often to neutralise or decrease acid secretion, respectively. Sucralfate, a locally active sulphated sucrose preparation, is commonly used as a cytoprotective agent. The efficacy and safety of many products used have not been evaluated adequately in foals. Perforating ulcers are usually associated with death or humane destruction of the foal because of fulminating peritonitis. Surgical intervention and bypass procedures are indicated in foals that develop pyloric or duodenal obstructions from healing ulcers.     

Effects of housing,feeding and use on equine health with emphasis on respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases

In a random population of Swiss horses 54% suffered from a subclinical to moderate COPD. Cause of a COPD is a hypersensitivity of the respiratory tract to spores of fungi and thermophil actinomyces. Teeth problems are strongly associated with the type of diet and the feeding regime. Problems of the teeth belong to the most often treated equine diseases by large animal practitioners. Racehorses are the population of horses most often affected by gastric ulcers with an ulcer prevalence between 63 and 90%. In contrast, a much lower prevalence (37%) of stomach ulcers is seen in pleasure horses and the degree of ulceration is less severe. Large amounts of concentrated high-energy feeds, small rations of forage and a low feeding frequency per day as well as the use of spoiled food can contribute to the development of colics.     

Cholangiohepatitis and pancreatitis secondary to severe gastroduodenal ulceration in a foal

A 2-month-old foal was presented with clinical signs of colic. Gastroduodenal ulceration was suspected. A poor response to medical treatment and signs of gastroduodenal obstruction led to celiotomy and an attempted bypass procedure. The foal was euthanized and postmortem examination revealed gastric ulceration, segmental duodenal stenosis, and severe chronic cholangiohepatitis and pancreatitis.     

Prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance of fecal Escherichia coli among pigs on 47 farrow-to-finish farms with different in-feed medication policies in Ontario and British Columbia

The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance in pigs on farms that medicated swine ration and those that did not. A total of 940 isolates of Escherichia coli from 188 pooled fecal samples obtained from weaner and finisher pigs on 47 farrow-to-finish swine farms (34 farms used in-feed medication and 13 did not) were tested for susceptibility to 21 antimicrobials using a breakpoint concentration method. The prevalence of resistance varied widely (0.0% to 81.3%) among the antimicrobials tested. Ninety percent of all the isolates tested were resistant to one or more antimicrobials. The most common multi-drug resistance patterns were to 2 to 6 antimicrobials. Resistance was significantly more frequent (P < 0.01) on farms that used in-feed medication compared to those that did not, and significantly more frequent (P < 0.01) in weaner pigs compared to finisher pigs. These findings indicate that resistance to a broad range of antimicrobials was prevalent among fecal E. coli isolates of pigs on study farms, and that this constitutes a potential reservoir for resistance genes that could spread to pathogens. The findings also provide further evidence that use of medication in swine rations provides selective pressure for antimicrobial resistance in E. coli in pigs.     

Canine subclinical prostatic disease: histological prevalence and validity of digital rectal examination as a screening test

The present study investigated the histological prevalence of subclinical prostatic disease in a canine mixed-breed population. The reliability of digital rectal examination (DRE) as a screening test for subclinical prostatic disease was also evaluated. DRE was performed on 500 male dogs (age range 1 to 21 years) before the dogs died of diseases not related to the prostate. Necropsies of these dogs were performed and prostates were collected for histological evaluation. The overall prevalence of subclinical prostatic disease was 75.6%. The most prevalent subclinical prostatic diseases were benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (44.8%), prostatitis (23.6%) and prostatic neoplasia (3.6%). The prevalence of subclinical BPH and prostatic neoplasia increased with age but that of prostatitis was not influenced by age. The prevalence of subclinical BPH and prostatitis were higher in intact than castrated dogs. DRE had a high specificity (75%) and positive predictive value (87%), but a low sensitivity (53%) and negative predictive value (34%).     

Risk Indicators Associated with Subclinical Mastitis in Smallholder Dairy Cows in Tanzania

Smallholder dairy farmers in Tanzania appear to be unaware of the subclinical mastitis situation in their cows. A cross-sectional study was carried out between June and September 2002 on smallholder dairy herds in the Dar es Salaam region. The study objectives were to establish the prevalence of subclinical mastitis and related risk indicators, and to assess their contribution to the occurrence of subclinical mastitis. Three field procedures based on the principles of herd health and production management were followed: clinical, farm and data inspection. The California mastitis test (CMT) was carried out on quarter milk samples to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis. A total of 182 lactating cows from 62 herds were investigated. Clinical inspection indicated that 3.8% of the lactating cows had clinical mastitis. Subclinical mastitis was detected in 90.3% of lactating cows screened. Farm inspection revealed that water scarcity, barn size, residual suckling, single udder-towel and dairy labourers as the most substantial (p < 0.05) risk indicators. Although most of the risk indicators studied were not found to be statistically significantly associated with the occurrence of subclinical mastitis, possibly owing to sample size and the presence of confounders, the epidemiological need to address such risk indicators cannot be overemphasized.     

Bovine mastitis and its association with selected risk factors in smallholder dairy farms in and around Bahir Dar,Ethiopia

Three hundred fifty one (195 local zebu and 156 Holstein x local zebu crosses) lactating cows of smallholder farms in Bahir Dar 'milk shed' were examined from September 2003 to March 2004 to determine mastitis prevalence, isolate pathogens and identify the role of some potential risk factors. Clinical prevalence was determined through examination of abnormalities of milk, udder or cow. California mastitis test (CMT) was used for determination of subclinical mastitis prevalence. Clinical prevalence at cow level was 3.9% in crossbreds and none in local zebu breeds. Subclinical mastitis at cow level based on CMT was high (34.4%) in crossbreds compared to indigenous zebu (17.9%) (p < 0.05). Quarter subclinical prevalence based on CMT was 17.9% and 4.9% in crossbreds and local zebu, respectively. The pathogens isolated from mastitic milk (CMT positive milk) were coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS), S. aureus, Str. agalactiae, Str. dysgalactiae, Str. uberis, Micrococcus species, C. bovis, A. pyogens, B. cereus, and S. intermedius. Among these, the most frequent isolates were CNS (50%), S. aureus (19%), Str. agalactiae (8%) and Str. dysgalactiae (7%). Among potential risk factors considered, stage of lactation, parity and breed were found to affect the occurrence of mastitis significantly (p < 0.05).     

Economic implications of bovine leukemia virus infection in mid-Atlantic dairy herds

OBJECTIVE: To determine the baseline costs of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection, including costs of clinical disease and subclinical infection, in a dairy herd representative of the mid-Atlantic region and compare these costs with the cost of a test-and-manage BLV control program. DESIGN: Stochastic spreadsheet model. SAMPLE POPULATION: A commercial Holstein dairy herd with 100 milking cows. PROCEDURES: A spreadsheet model was developed. The overall cost of infection included the cost of clinical disease (ie, lymphosarcoma [LS]) and the effects of subclinical infection on milk production and premature culling. Model input values and distributions were designed to reflect economic conditions in the mid-Atlantic region. Relative costs of infection and control were calculated for infection prevalences of 20, 50, and 80%. RESULTS: Estimated mean cost to the producer per case of LS was 412 dollars; for a herd with a 50% prevalence of BLV infection, annual incidence of LS was 0.66. Mean annual cost of subclinical infection at a 50% prevalence of infection was 6,406 dollars. Mean annual cost of a test-and-manage control program was 1,765 dollars. The cost of clinical disease and subclinical infection varied substantially with the prevalence of infection, whereas the cost of control varied with herd size. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that a basic BLV control program may be economically beneficial in herds in which the prevalence of BLV infection is > or = 12.5%. Farm-specific considerations may factor prominently when weighing the costs and benefits of an individual BLV control program.     

Clinicopathologic evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation in horses with acute colitis

OBJECTIVE: To detect subclinical disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in horses with colitis and to determine any association between the diagnosis of subclinical DIC and outcome or occurrence of complications in horses with colitis. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 37 horses admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital for treatment of acute colitis. PROCEDURE: Coagulation profiles were obtained on each horse 0, 24, and 48 hours after admission. Six tests were performed: platelet count, plasma fibrinogen concentration, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, antithrombin activity, and serum fibrin degradation products concentration. RESULTS: A clinicopathologic diagnosis of subclinical DIC was made if 3 of the 6 tests had abnormal results at any 1 sample period. No horse had clinical signs of DIC at the time of sampling. Twelve of 37 (32%) horses met the criteria for diagnosis of subclinical DIC within a 1-year period. Outcome was defined as survival or nonsurvival. Five of 12 horses with subclinical DIC and 2 of 25 horses without subclinical DIC did not survive. Crude odds ratio analysis revealed a horse with acute colitis was 8 times as likely to die or be euthanatized if a diagnosis of subclinical DIC was made. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicopathologic evidence of DIC is common and is significantly associated with a poor outcome in horses with acute colitis. Treatment of subclinical DIC may influence outcome in horses with acute colitis.     

宁波市奶牛乳房炎发病及综合防治试验研究

为了解宁波地区奶牛乳房炎发病及主要病原菌构成,采用乳房炎诊断试剂(HMT)对宁波市8个奶牛场307头泌乳牛的1249个乳区进行了隐性乳房炎流行情况调查,采集HMT反应阳性(++)及强阳性(+++)乳区奶样进行细菌分离与鉴定;用纸片扩散法检测主要病原菌对常用抗菌药物敏感性,并选择具代表性牧场进行乳房炎综合防治试验。结果显示,宁波市奶牛隐性乳房炎的头阳性率为71.3%,乳区阳性率为33.5%。主要病原菌的检出率依次为:凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌47.1%、无乳链球菌20.4%、停乳链球菌17.3%、金黄色葡萄球菌5.1%和乳房链球菌3.9%。主要病原菌对青霉素、氨苄青霉素、庆大霉素、复方新诺明和链霉素等药物有不同程度的耐药性,对头孢类及苯唑青霉素敏感。综合防治措施的实施可以明显降低桶奶总细菌数,改善牛奶品质。