Maternal and fetal toxicity of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) in sheep

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) was toxic to pregnant ewes and their fetuses when fed during gestation days 30 through 60. Maternal effects included trembling, muscular weakness in the neck initially, then progressing to the limbs, ataxia, frequent urination and defecation, and death. Convulsive seizures were not observed. Fetotoxic effects included excessive flexure of the carpal joints with lateral deviation in the front limbs and kinked tails. At term, 7 of 11 lambs had varying degrees of the limb abnormalities, but all lambs appeared clinically normal at 8 weeks after parturition.     

Conium maculatum (poison hemlock) toxicosis in a flock of range turkeys

Five 20-week-old tom turkeys from a flock of range turkeys were presented for examination; the flock had a history of salivation, tremors, paralysis, and increased mortality. Necropsy revealed numerous seeds identified as seeds from Conium maculatum (poison hemlock) within the crop, proventriculus, and gizzard. Histopathologic alterations were limited to catarrhal enteritis. Clinical signs of Conium maculatum toxicosis abated after the turkeys were removed from their range, which was infested with poison hemlock.     

Congenital skeletal malformations induced by maternal ingestion of Conium maculatum (poison hemlock) in newborn pigs

Skeletal malformations were induced in newborn pigs from gilts fed Conium maculatum seed or plant during gestation days 43 through 53 and 51 through 61. The teratogenic effects in groups dosed during gestation days 43 through 53 were more severe than those in groups dosed during the later period, with many newborn pigs showing arthrogryposis and twisted and malaligned bones in the limbs and with 1 pig showing scoliosis and deformity of the thoracic cage. The pigs born to gilts given C maculatum during gestation days 51 through 61 had excessive flexure primarily in the carpal joints, without scoliosis or bone malalignment in the limbs. The teratogenicity of poison hemlock depends on the alkaloid concentration and content. Based on the data presented, we speculate that gamma-coniceine is the teratogenic alkaloid in the poison hemlock fed to the gilts.     

Induction of cleft palate in newborn pigs by maternal ingestion of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)

Cleft palates were induced in newborn pigs of gilts fed Conium maculatum seed or plant during gestation days 30 through 45. Twelve of 23 newborn pigs born to 3 gilts given Utah-grown C maculatum seed and 9 of 12 newborn pigs born to a single gilt given the fresh Utah spring-growth C maculatum plant had cleft palates. The cleft palates ranged from a unilateral cleft, involving only 1 side of the palate, to a full bilateral cleft. Brachygnathia was also observed in some of these newborn pigs with cleft palate. Other malformations were not observed. Chemical analysis of seed and plant samples indicated that gamma-coniceine was the responsible teratogenic alkaloid. A daily dose of plant or seed that provided greater than or equal to 1.07 mg of gamma-coniceine/kg of body weight fed to gilts during the 30th through the 45th day of pregnancy resulted in teratogenic effects.     

Comparative toxicity of coniine, an alkaloid of Conium maculatum (poison hemlock), in chickens, quails, and turkeys

Coniine, an alkaloid of Conium maculatum (poison hemlock), was administered by gavage to immature chickens, quails, and turkeys at 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight. At 25 mg coniine/kg body weight, clinical signs were observed only in quails (2/10) and consisted of excitement, depression, hypermetria, seizures, opisthotonos, and flaccid paralysis. Chickens (9/10) and quails (8/10) dosed at 50 mg/kg body weight were affected, and several birds of each species died (2/10 and 5/10, respectively). Turkeys (7/10) were affected only when dosed at 100 mg/kg body weight, and quails (6/10), turkeys (4/10), and chickens (10/10) died at this dose. There were no gross or microscopic lesions. Coniine was detected in skeletal muscle and liver of birds dying after ingestion and was present in some survivors 7 days post-treatment.     

Nitrate poisoning in cattle fed sudax (Sorghum sp. hybrid) hay

SUMMARY Deaths in cattle fed sudax hay were attributed to nitrate poisoning. Seventy-three animals out of 157 cattle died after being fed the hay, and 11 of the surviving cows aborted in the next 6 days. Toxicological findings supported this diagnosis with samples of the sudax hay containing up to 3.1% nitrate on a dry matter basis.     

Jejunal hemorrhage syndrome in dairy and beef cattle: 11 cases (2001 to 2003)

The medical records of 11 cattle with jejunal hemorrhage syndrome were reviewed. Female and male, lactating and pregnant, dairy and beef cattle were affected. Decreased feed intake and milk production, reduced amounts of dark feces, and abdominal discomfort were common historical findings. Common clinical findings included depressed demeanor, a "ping" and fluid-splashing sounds over the right abdomen, melena, and distended loops of intestine on rectal palpation. Surgery was done on 7 cases, 10 cases were euthanized, and 1 died. Clostridium perfringens type A was isolated from the intestinal contents from 7 of 7 cases. At necropsy, the characteristic finding was a varying length of a dark purple-red distended jejunum with an intraluminal blood clot. Histologically, there was segmental necrosis, ulceration, and mucosal and transmural hemorrhage of the jejunum. This is a sporadic disease of adult cattle characterized by mechanical obstruction of the small intestines by a large blood clot with a case fatality of almost 100%.     

Biomarker and pathway analyses of urine metabolomics in dairy cows when corn stover replaces alfalfa hay

Background: Alfalfa hay and corn stover are different type of forages which can significantly impact a cow's lactation performance, but the underlying metabolic mechanism has been poorly studied. We used biomarker and pathway analyses to characterize related biomarkers and pathways based on urine metabolomics data from different forage treatments. Urine was col ected from 16 multiparous Holstein dairy cows fed alfalfa hay(AH, high-quality forage, n = 8) and corn stover(CS, low-quality forage, n = 8) respectively. Gas chromatography–time of flight/mass spectrometry(GC-TOF/MS) was performed to identify metabolites in urine and the metaboanalyst online platform was used to do biomarker and pathway analysis.Results: Hippuric acid(HUA) and N-methyl-glutamic(NML-Glu) indicated the most significant difference between the two diets, when statistical y validated by biomarker analysis. HUA was also validated by standard compound quantitative method and showed significant higher concentration in CS group than AH group(2.8282 vs. 0.0005 mg/mL; P 0.01).The significant negative correlation between milk yield and HUA(R~2= 0.459; P 0.01) and significant positive correlation between milk yield and NML-Glu(R~2= 0.652; P 0.01) were characterized. The pathway analysis revealed that these different metabolites were involved in 17 pathways including 7 influential pathways(pathway impact value 0): Tyr metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, galactose metabolism,Phe, Tyr and Try biosynthesis, purine metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism. Based on the metabolome view map,the Phe, Tyr and Try biosynthesis pathway exhibited the highest impact value(0.50), and the Holm-Bonferroni multiple testing-based analysis revealed the most significant difference in the Tyr metabolism pathway(Holm P = 0.048).Conclusions: The identified HUA and NML-Glu may serve as potential biomarkers for discriminating CS and AH diets and could be used as candidates for milk yield related mechanistic investigations. Integrated network pathways associated with related metabolites provide a helpful perspective for discovering the effectiveness of forage quality in lactation performance and provides novel insights into developing strategies for better utilization of CS and other low-quality forage in China.     

Toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from Riddell groundsel (Senecio riddellii) to cattle

The toxicity of Riddell groundsel (Senecio riddellii) gavaged to calves at a known lethal rate was compared with the toxicity of riddelliine and riddelliine N-oxide, the pyrrolizidine alkaloids isolated from the plant, which were fed by intraruminal infusion. Doses of the alkaloids were adjusted to the amount determined to be in the plant and fed individually and in combination. The relative toxicosis in the calves was measured by clinical signs, serum enzyme changes, survival time to morbidity, and histologic changes. Calves fed Senecio riddellii by gavage for 20 consecutive days to provide 45 mg of total pyrrolizidine alkaloids/kg of body weight/d developed clinical signs and serum enzyme changes typical of seneciosis, with 100% morbidity. However, calves receiving riddelliine at 4.5 mg/kg/d for 20 days had neither serum enzyme changes nor clinical signs of pyrrolizidine alkaloidosis. Calves treated with riddelliine N-oxide (40.5 mg/kg/d), and with riddelliine (4.5 mg/kg/d) and riddelliine N-oxide (40.5 mg/kg/d) in combination, had 100% morbidity, although the latter group had fewer liver lesions. These results establish that the N-oxide form of the alkaloid alone is capable of inducing typical Senecio toxicosis in cattle and that the free base level of the plant cannot be considered to be the sole factor in assessing the toxicity of S riddellii.     

Pneumothorax in dairy cattle: 30 cases (1990-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the features, underlying causes, results of diagnostic testing, and treatment of pneumothorax in dairy cattle. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 30 dairy cattle. PROCEDURE: Medical records of all cattle with a diagnosis of pneumonia were reviewed. For cattle with pneumothorax, information was obtained pertaining to signalment, anamnesis, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Survival data were compared between cattle with pneumonia with or without pneumothorax. RESULTS: Pneumothorax was associated with bronchopneumonia in 18 cattle, interstitial pneumonia in 7 cattle, pharyngeal or laryngeal trauma in 3 cattle, and neonatal respiratory distress in 2 calves. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus was the most commonly detected infectious agent. Eighteen of 30 (60%) cattle survived; 8 were euthanatized and 4 died. Survival rate was 81% for cattle with pneumonia without pneumothorax during the same time period. Pneumothorax was a significant risk factor for failure to survive to discharge from the hospital for cattle with underlying chronic bronchopneumonia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pneumothorax in dairy cattle appears to occur most commonly in association with chronic bronchopneumonia. Cattle of both sexes and all ages can be affected.     

Benzimidazole Toxicosis in Rabbits: 13 Cases (2003 to 2011)

The objective of this study was to evaluate both clinical and histologic anomalies associated with suspected benzimidazole toxicosis in rabbits. Histopathologic records were reviewed from rabbit cases that were diagnosed with suspected benzimidazole toxicosis at 2 specialty pathology services. Medical records were also solicited from veterinarians who treated rabbits with suspected benzimidazole toxicosis. In all, 13 cases were included in this retrospective study. Histologically, presumed radiomimetic lesions of benzimidazole toxicosis were noted in 3 cases. An additional 10 cases exhibited lesions suggestive of benzimidazole toxicosis. Common clinical signs observed in the study of rabbits included inappetence, lethargy, hemorrhage, and death. One rabbit with suspected benzimidazole toxicosis survived. Benzimidazoles should be used judiciously in rabbits at published doses only after the owners are knowledgeable of the potential health risks associated with this class of drugs. The prognosis for rabbits with suspected benzimidazole toxicosis is poor, but supportive care resulted in the survival of 1 suspected case in this study.     

Salt (sodium) deficiency in dairy cattle: polyuria and polydipsia as prominent clinical features.

Polyuria in a herd of forty-five dairy cattle was the chief complaint in the first case. Polydipsia was the principle sign in a second case involving one dairy cow. Less conspicuous clinical findings included salt hunger, pica, weight loss and decreased milk production. Clinicopathologic investigation included monitoring the concentrations of sodium, potassium and chloiride in urine, parotid saliva and plasma. These analyses indicated a primary sodium deficiency which responded to sodium chloride ad libitum.     

Non esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in dairy cattle. A review

The objective of this report is to review the literature on elevated blood concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) before and after parturition in high-yielding dairy cows. It highlights the factors that influence serum NEFA production and their circulation before and after parturition, such as adaptation for nutrient partitioning for fetal needs, onset of lactogenesis, stress of calving and numerous changes in physiological, metabolic, and endocrine status to accommodate parturition and lactogenesis. The role of NEFA in the liver and peripheral tissues and its toxic effects when in excess are discussed. The cow's adaptive physiologic mechanisms to prevent or decrease excessive values of serum NEFA and preventive and therapeutic interventions to enhance these mechanisms are categorized as natural and artificial antidotes respectively. Feeding systems during the dry period and daily exercise or walking activity which may burn excessive NEFA through beta-oxidation in the muscles are considered as more useful antidotes to managing the NEFA metabolism. This will minimize accumulation of lipids in the liver during early lactation and alleviate the negative effects of plasma NEFA leading to more optimal metabolic health and productivity of dairy cows.     

Apparent seroprevalence,isolation and identification of risk factors for brucellosis among dairy cattle in Goa,India

Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonotic infection affecting livestock and human beings. The disease has been reported worldwide except in few countries where it has been eradicated. The prevalence of brucellosis among cattle from 11 farms having a history of abortions was studied. A total of 481 samples comprising of blood, milk, vaginal swabs, vaginal discharges, placental tissues and fetal tissues were collected from 296 animals. Clinical samples were processed for the isolation of Brucella. Serum samples (n = 296) were tested by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect ELISA. A total of 90 (30.40%) and 123 (41.55%) samples were positive by RBPT and indirect ELISA, respectively. Also 27.02% samples were positive by both the tests. Brucella isolates (n = 8) were recovered from clinical samples using Brucella selective media. All the isolates demonstrated PCR amplification for the bcsp31 and IS711 genes. Amplification of Brucella abortus specific primer was demonstrated by all the isolates in AMOS PCR indicating isolates to be of either B. abortus biotype 1, 2 or 4. Risk factors for transmission of brucellosis among cattle population were studied by field surveys. It was observed that lack of awareness about brucellosis (OR = 8.739, P = 0.138) and inadequate floor space (OR = 0.278, P = 0.128) were crucial risk factors for transmission of bovine brucellosis.     

Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) investigations in dairy cattle: persistence of antibodies after vaccination.

The immune response and persistence of antibodies were investigated in dairy cattle vaccinated with formalin-inactivated phase (ph) I Coxiella burnetii vaccine agglutinating antibody geometric mean titer (GMT) of 193.2 at 1 month after vaccination compared to a GMT of 2.0 for nonvaccinated calves. The agglutinating antibodies gradually decreased in vaccinated cattle, but the GMT remained approximately 4 times higher than that for the nonvaccinated group for at least 20 months. Results of serotests at 2 months after revaccination indicated a rapid increase in the GMT to 177.0 with agglutinating titers between 1:64 and 1:512.     

Synchronization of ovulation (OVSYNCH) in high producing dairy cattle herds. Part II: Milk yield, diseases and cost-benefit-analysis

A method for synchronization of ovulation (OVSYNCH) was evaluated for its practical use in seven North German dairy cattle herds. The original procedure of PURSLEY et al. (1995) was applied, i. e. cows were treated with Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) at a random stage of the estrous cycle, followed by an injection of a prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha)-analog seven days later and another injection of GnRH two days after PGF2alpha. Cows were inseminated 24 h after the last injection by artificial insemination. Control animals were assigned by corresponding lactation number and month of lactation. Cows from the OVSYNCH group returned to the conventional reproductive management after the OVSYNCH treatment, which was the same management as that for the control group. The parameters of fertility and correlations between body condition score (BCS) as well as concentrations of serum progesterone and the success of OVSYNCH were presented in the first report. For the OVSYNCH group, the 100-day-duction during the time period from calving until a pregnancy was established differed markedly from healthy cows in a variety of parameters. Healthy cows had a greater FSC (65.22%) than sick cows (35.90%) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, mean days open were less in healthy cows than in sick cows (85.48 +/- 30.56 days vs 110.85 +/- 46.40 days) (P < 0.05). Cows showing a disease had a higher number of lactation (4.00 +/- 2.26 vs. 2.80 +/- 1.35; P < 0.01) and a decreased BCS (2.72 +/- 0.23 vs. 2.91 +/- 0.23; P < 0.05). Sick and healthy cows from the OVSYNCH group did not differ with regard to 100-day-milk-yield (milk kg, relative and absolute milk fat and protein content). The cost-benefit-analysis revealed higher total cost, and cost per pregnancy (16,408.07 euros and 278.10 euros, respectively) in the control group than in the OVSYNCH group (11,015.69 euros and 196.71 euros, respectively).     

Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in dairy cattle: 33 cases (1979-1985)

Metacarpal (22) and metatarsal (11) fractures in 33 dairy cattle were treated by application of short or full limb casts. Twelve fractures involved the distal physis (6 closed, 6 open) and 21 fractures were nonphyseal (17 closed, 4 open). All physeal fractures were noncomminuted and 11/12 were classified as Salter-Harris type II. Eleven (52%) of nonphyseal fractures were comminuted. Closed fractures were reduced and a cast was applied after manual restraint, sedation with xylazine (along with use of ropes), or general anesthesia. Open fractures were best treated with the cow under general anesthesia. These fractures were carefully debrided, lavaged, and reduced, and a cast was applied. Antibiotics and analgesics were given parenterally. All cattle were restricted to a box stall during fracture healing. Fracture healing generally was rapid and uncomplicated. No closed fracture perforated the skin. Fracture healing was characterized radiographically by extensive circumferential periosteal new bone growth, closure of the distal physis, and preservation of articulations adjacent to the fracture site. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 78 months (mean, 32 months). Thirty of 33 (91%) cattle survived for a long period. All cows with closed (23) and 7 of 10 (70%) with open fractures survived. Three cows were euthanatized; 2 developed severe osteomyelitis and one fractured her metatarsus above a short cast. All 30 surviving cattle were considered by their owners not lame on the previously injured limb, with no noticeable angulation, bowing, or shortening. No deleterious effects on milk production were detected.     

Hemorrhagic bowel syndrome in dairy cattle: 22 cases (1997-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To determine signalment, history, and clinical, necropsy, and microbiologic findings in dairy cows with hemorrhagic bowel syndrome. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 22 adult dairy cows from a single farm in Colorado. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for information on signalment, medical and reproductive history, the owner's chief complaints, results of physical examinations and ancillary diagnostic tests, treatment and response to treatment, results of microbiologic testing, and, if applicable, postmortem findings. RESULTS: Common clinical signs were acute signs of profound depression, decreased milk production, tachycardia, ruminal stasis, abdominal distention, and dark clotted blood in the feces. Rectal examination revealed distended loops of small intestine in 7 of 14 cows. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed small intestinal ileus and distention in 12 of 12 cows and homogeneous echogenic intraluminal material compatible with intraluminal hemorrhage and clot formation in 4. Seven of 8 cows treated medically died; 9 of 13 cows that underwent surgery died or were euthanatized. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from fecal samples from 17 of 20 cows. The most common morphologic diagnosis at necropsy was severe necrohemorrhagic enteritis or jejunitis with intraluminal hemorrhage or blood clots. The most prominent histologic finding was severe, segmental submucosal hemorrhage and edema of the small intestine. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results confirm that in adult cattle, hemorrhagic bowel syndrome is a sporadic acute intestinal disorder characterized by intraluminal hemorrhage and obstruction of the small intestine. Clostridium perfringens was consistently isolated from the feces of affected cows. The prognosis for affected cows was grave.