The ability of biochemical and haematological tests to predict recovery in periparturient recumbent cows

Blood samples from 433 periparturient recumbent cows submitted by veterinary practitioners to Ruakura Animal Health Laboratory during 1983 and 1984 were analysed and results related to whether cows recovered, died or were euthanased. Generally cows were sampled only once and the time varied from 15 minutes to 20 days after becoming recumbent. During 1983 serum calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, creatine phosphokinase (CK), aspartate amino transferase (AST), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were analysed. In 1984 serum urea, creatinine, fibrinogen and haematological examination (haemoglobin, haematocrit, total and differential white cell counts) were added to the panel. Overall 39% of cows recovered, 30% died and 32% were destroyed. Precalving cows had 111% more deaths and 7% less survivors than postcalving recumbent cows (P<0.1). There was little difference (3%) in euthanasia prevalence. Tests that were most useful in predicting a lack of recovery were serum urea and muscle enzymes. Using these tests and duration of recumbency when sampled a model was produced to predict the probability of recovery from 254 cases.     

Hematologic and clinico-chemical research findings in calves and young cattle with ileus

The impairment of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base status which is observed in calves and juvenile cattle as a result of ileus and subileus is not only dependent on form and site of the obstruction, but is also influenced considerably by the duration of the condition and any coexisting disease. This publication reviews the most important blood, urine and ruminal fluid parameters in such patients. The diagnostic significance of the laboratory values under discussion is not so great with obstructions to the caudal part of the digestive tract. However, markedly raised ruminal fluid chloride levels, combined with hypochloraemia and a metabolic acidosis, are indicative of an "abomasoruminal reflux syndrome" resulting from an obstruction in the region of the abomasum or cranial small intestine.     

A study of periodontal disease in sheep over a twelve month period

Sheep affected by broken mouth periodontal disease (P.D.) were examined over a twelve month period for different clinical parameters. It is suggested that P.D. in sheep is an episodic phenomenon similar to human P.D., and that only a few animals with signs of P.D. may undergo clinically significant destruction over a yearly period. No single parameter could reliably predict future deterioration in other parameters.     

The detection of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in bovine faeces by isolation and the comparison of isolation with the examination of stained smears by light microscopy

The detection of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis organisms in bovine faeces by isolation was compared with that by the microscopical examination of Ziehl-Neelsen stained faecal smears for the presence of clumps of acid-fast M. paratuberculosis organisms. Faeces were obtained from cattle naturally or experimentally infected with M. paratuberculosis as well as from uninfected cattle. Microscopical examination was an unreliable method for the detection of M. paratuberculosis organisms, since the organisms were only detected in 99 (=55.9%) of 177 culturally positive faecal samples. 1111 addition, clumps of acid-fast organisms indistinguishable from M. paratuberculosis were also observed iin three of 18 samples from cattle free from Johne's disease and in 18 of 37 culturally negative samples from paratuberculous cattle. When M. paratuberculosis organisms were added to faeces from an uninfected cow, results showed that isolation attempts should be positive when 15 or more M. paratuberculosis organisms per gram of faeces are present.     

Immunological control of hematophagous arthropod vectors: utilization of novel antigens

Immunological control of ixodid ticks requires development of a vaccine that stimulates an effective anti-tick response. However, it is important to avoid induction of intense host skin reactivity to tick feeding. Salivary-gland-derived molecules are introduced into the host during ixodid engorgement; therefore, use of these moieties might not be an optimal immunization strategy. Antigens not normally involved in acquired resistance can be used to induce anti-tick immunity. These "novel" antigens, obtained from tick gut absorptive surface, are not introduced into the host during tick feeding, but are exposed to host-immune effector elements in the blood meal, resulting in ixodid rejection, prevention of ova production and death. Anti-tick immunity is induced with microgram quantities of this ixodid gut antigen preparation. Sera obtained from immunized animals were used to identify antibody-reactive components of the resistance-inducing extract. Tick gut absorptive surface antigen glycoconjugates were identified by lectin blotting, using a series of probes with different carbohydrate specificities. The lectins, peanut and wheat germ agglutinin, and immunized host antibodies bound extract components with similar molecular weights. Solubilization and fractionization of tick gut proteins with the non-ionic detergent Triton X-114 is described.     

Bile duct obstruction secondary to chronic pancreatitis in seven dogs

Seven icteric dogs were determined to have bile duct obstruction secondary to chronic pancreatitis. All dogs had histories of intermittent vomiting and diarrhea. Alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase activities and total bilirubin concentrations were markedly elevated. Diagnosis was based on exploratory laparotomy and histological examination. Each dog had a 3 to 10 cm mass in the body of the pancreas and obstruction of the common bile duct. Three dogs treated with pancreatectomy, gastrojejunostomy, and cholecystojejunostomy died within five weeks. Three dogs treated with conservative surgical procedures were alive at 8, 16, and 26 months postoperatively. One dog was euthanized because of suspected neoplasia. Hepatic enzyme activity and bilirubin levels decreased markedly in the surviving dogs. Histological examination of the pancreatic masses indicated chronic pancreatitis. Hepatic biopsies revealed evidence of cholestasis. Chronic pancreatitis should be included in the differential diagnoses of icterus, bile duct obstruction, and masses in the pancreas.